Videos

Precursors to splashing on a solid surface

Presenter
March 25, 2009
Keywords:
  • Solid surface
MSC:
  • 70E18
Abstract
A high velocity impact between a liquid droplet and a solid surface produces a splash. Classical work traced the origin of the splash to a thin sheet of liquid ejected near the impact point. Mechanisms of sheet formation have heretofore relied on initial contact of the droplet and the surface. We demonstrate that, neglecting intermolecular forces between the liquid and the solid, the liquid does not contact the solid, and instead spreads on a very thin air film. The interface of the droplet develops a high curvature and emits capillary waves.