Thin film formation during splashing of viscous liquids

Michelle M. Driscoll, Cacey S. Stevens, Sidney R. Nagel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

87 Scopus citations

Abstract

After impact onto a smooth dry surface, a drop of viscous liquid initially spreads in the form of a thick lamella. If the drop splashes, it first emits a thin fluid sheet that can ultimately break up into droplets causing the splash. Ambient gas is crucial for creating this thin sheet. The time for sheet ejection, tejt, depends on impact velocity, liquid viscosity, gas pressure, and molecular weight. A central air bubble is trapped below the drop at pressures even below that necessary for this sheet formation. In addition, air bubbles are entrained underneath the spreading lamella when the ejected sheet is present. Air entrainment ceases at a lamella velocity that is independent of drop impact velocity as well as ambient gas pressure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number036302
JournalPhysical Review E - Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
Volume82
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
  • Statistics and Probability
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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