The nonlinear Rayleigh–Taylor stability of a liquid layer over a finite vapor layer is studied
using a simplified formulation of the problem. The method of multiple scale expansion is
employed for the investigation. It is found that when the heat transfer rate is strong enough,
the classically unstable system is stabilized by the nonlinear effect and the effect of mass
and heat transfer across the interface. The size of the bubbles detached from the interface
can also be estimated. A simple nondimensional parameter is also found to characterize the …