Strings of droplets propelled by coherent waves

TL;DR

This paper investigates how multiple bouncing droplets in a 1D annular cavity form synchronized strings propelled by coherent waves, leading to collective behavior faster than individual droplets, modeled mathematically.

Contribution

It introduces a new model describing the formation of synchronized droplet strings driven by coherent waves in a 1D system, revealing collective propulsion mechanisms.

Findings

Droplets form synchronized strings in an annular cavity.

Shared coherent waves propel the droplet group faster than single droplets.

A mathematical model captures the collective behavior and wave formation.

Abstract

Bouncing walking droplets possess fascinating properties due to their peculiar wave/particule interaction. In order to study such walkers in a 1d system, we considered the case of one or more droplets in an annular cavity. We show that, in this geometry, walking droplets form a string of synchronized bouncing droplets that share a common coherent wave propelling the group at a speed faster than single walkers. The formation of this coherent wave and the collective behavior of droplets is captured by a model.