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Liquid drop splashing on smooth, rough, and textured surfaces
1The James Franck Institute and Department of Physics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. xuleixu@seas.harvard.edu
Summary
Liquid drop splashing on surfaces depends on surface properties and liquid viscosity. Surface roughness and texture significantly influence splash dynamics, leading to distinct splash patterns and droplet sizes.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Surface science
- Materials science
Background:
- Splashing is a common phenomenon when liquid drops impact dry solid surfaces at high velocities.
- Understanding splash dynamics is crucial for various applications, including printing, coating, and fuel injection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the influence of surface roughness and texture on liquid drop splashing.
- To analyze the effect of liquid viscosity on splash regimes and droplet ejection.
- To characterize splash patterns, particularly the symmetry and directional preferences on textured surfaces.
Main Methods:
- High-speed imaging techniques were employed to capture drop impact events.
- Experiments were conducted using liquids with varying viscosities.
- Surfaces with controlled roughness and specific textures, including pillar arrays, were utilized.
Main Results:
- For smooth surfaces, a 'corona' splash is observed, influenced by surrounding air.
- A 'prompt' splash, dependent on surface roughness and texture, was identified.
- Droplet size distribution measurements revealed sensitivity to surface roughness.
- Textured surfaces with pillar arrays exhibited fourfold symmetry in splashing, predominantly along diagonal directions.
- Pillar height and spacing were identified as key factors influencing splashing on textured surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Surface properties, including roughness and texture, play a critical role in dictating liquid drop splash behavior.
- Liquid viscosity and impact velocity modulate splash regimes.
- Textured surfaces can introduce directional and symmetrical splash patterns, offering potential for controlling droplet ejection.
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