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Updated: Mar 31, 2026
11:51
Visually Based Characterization of the Incipient Particle Motion in Regular Substrates: From Laminar to Turbulent Conditions
Published on: February 22, 2018
9.2K
Shape evolution of a melting nonspherical particle.
Daniel M Kintea1, Tobias Hauk2, Ilia V Roisman1
1Institute for Fluid Mechanics and Aerodynamics, Center of Smart Interfaces, Technische Universtität Darmstadt, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|October 15, 2015
Summary
Melting irregular ice crystals in an acoustic levitator revealed unique shape changes and liquid flows not seen in spherical ice. A new model accurately predicts these phenomena and melting times.
Area of Science:
- Physics of Fluids
- Materials Science
- Acoustic Manipulation
Background:
- Melting behavior of ice is crucial in various natural and industrial processes.
- Previous studies primarily focused on spherical particles, limiting understanding of irregular ice melting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the melting dynamics of irregular ice crystals using acoustic levitation.
- To identify and characterize unique phenomena during irregular ice melting.
- To develop a theoretical model for predicting irregular ice melting behavior.
Main Methods:
- Observation of irregular ice crystal melting within an acoustic levitator.
- High-speed video recording to capture real-time shape evolution.
- Development of an approximate theoretical model incorporating key physical phenomena.
Main Results:
- Observed distinct phenomena including particle shape changes, capillary flow, liquid collection at the midsection, and cusp formation at tips.
- These phenomena were absent in melting spherical ice particles.
- The developed theoretical model showed good agreement with experimental data for melting time and shape evolution.
Conclusions:
- Irregular ice crystal melting exhibits unique characteristics driven by non-uniform geometry.
- Acoustic levitation provides a suitable platform for studying these complex melting dynamics.
- The theoretical model offers a valuable tool for predicting irregular ice melting behavior.
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