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.