Asymmetric coalescence of two droplets with different surface tensions is caused by capillary waves
Michiel A. Hack, Patrick Vondeling, Menno Cornelissen, Detlef Lohse, Jacco H. Snoeijer, Christian Diddens, Tim Segers
Abstract
When two droplets with different surface tensions collide, the shape evolution of the merging droplets is asymmetric. Here, we reveal the importance of capillary waves in this process, and systematically study the influence of both inertia and surface tension. Counterintuitively, the Marangoni effect reduces the asymmetry.
Topics & Concepts
Marangoni effectSurface tensionCapillary waveCapillary actionCoalescence (physics)AsymmetryInertiaMechanicsCapillary numberMaterials scienceChemical physicsPhysicsClassical mechanicsThermodynamicsComposite materialAstrobiologyQuantum mechanicsFluid Dynamics and Heat TransferSurface Modification and SuperhydrophobicityElectrohydrodynamics and Fluid Dynamics