Droplet splashing on rough surfaces

Abstract

Drop splashing on surfaces is important for a wide variety of processes ranging from inkjet printing to pollination by rain and forensic blood pattern analysis. The critical impact velocity beyond which the drop disintegrates is well understood for smooth surfaces, but remained a puzzle for rougher ones that are often encountered in practice. We find that the splashing threshold on rough surfaces is lower, which can be understood as an interplay between the surface roughness and the viscous, inertial, and capillary forces on the drop.

Topics & Concepts