Surface pressure scaling theory

One way is to use scaling theory that predicts that the pressure P(D) between two flat surfaces coated with polymer brushes in a good solvent as given by [22] ... 

Surface pressure isotherms classification, theory and scaling laws... 

It is possible that this theory can be adapted to explain molten metal-water thermal explosions although many needed data are still unavailable. One might presume that, at the molten metal-wet surface interface, there is some chemical reaction. Possibly that of the metal plus water or metal plus surface to lead to localized formation of salt solutions. These may then superheat until homogeneous nucleation occurs. The local temperature and pressure would then be predicted to be far in excess of the critical point of pure water (220 bar, 647 K) and a sharp, local explosion could then result. Fragmentation or subsequent other superheat explosions would then lead to the full-scale event. 

Abstract. Interaction between a current and surface-active material is considered. Some simple cases where the substrate motion is steady and 2D is analysed using standard boundary layer theory. Questions like how is the transversal dimension of a slick related to the film pressure and the substrate convergence and how strong substrate motion does it take to break up a surface film , are addressed. It is pointed out that the answers depend on whether the film can be considered stagnant, or develops self-organised motion. It is further pointed out how small scale thermal convection at the ocean surface is easily suppressed by a slick. 

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