Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026

Fast Imaging Technique to Study Drop Impact Dynamics of Non-Newtonian Fluids
Published on: March 5, 2014
Effect of Wetting on Drop Splashing of Newtonian Fluids and Blood
T C de Goede1, N Laan1, K G de Bruin1,2
1Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, Institute of Physics , University of Amsterdam , Science Park 904 , 1098 XH Amsterdam , Netherlands.
Abstract:
We investigate the impact velocity beyond which the ejection of smaller droplets from the main droplet (splashing) occurs for droplets of different liquids impacting different smooth surfaces. We examine its dependence on the surface wetting properties and droplet surface tension. We show that the splashing velocity is independent of the wetting properties of the surface but increases roughly linearly with increasing surface tension of the liquid. A preexisting splashing model and simplification are considered that predict the splashing velocity by incorporating the air viscosity. Both the splashing model and simplification give a good prediction of the splashing velocity for each surface and liquid, demonstrating the robustness of the splashing model. We also show that the splashing model can also predict the splashing velocity of blood, a shear-thinning fluid.
Related Concept Videos
Newtonian Fluid: Problem Solving
A velocity gradient forms within the fluid when a Newtonian fluid is placed between two parallel plates, with...
Viscosity
The SI unit of viscosity is...
Types of Fluids
In contrast, non-Newtonian fluids do not follow Newton's law of viscosity, and...
Surface Tension of Fluid
Surface tension varies...
Laminar and Turbulent Flow
Surface Tension, Capillary Action, and Viscosity
The various IMFs between identical molecules of a substance are examples of cohesive forces. The molecules within a liquid are surrounded by other molecules and are attracted equally in all directions by the cohesive forces within the liquid. However, the molecules on the surface of a liquid are attracted only by about one-half as many molecules. Because of the unbalanced molecular attractions on the surface molecules, liquids contract to form a shape that minimizes the number...

