Drop impact experiments on cylindrical pillars

Abstract

The paper investigates the formation and instability of fluid sheets created by the impact of drops on a plane surface. After collision, the liquid drop extends into a fluid sheet until a maximum diameter is reached. It then destabilizes and undergoes a fragmentation process, creating liquid ligaments and droplets. The phenomenon is investigated using Newtonian and viscoelastic liquid drops that are generated from different heights. Significant differences are observed in the case of a high-viscosity liquid. Several bodily fluids are also investigated.