Droplet impact on immiscible liquid pool: Multi-scale dynamics of entrapped air cushion at short timescales

TL;DR

This study reveals unique multi-scale hydrodynamic patterns in the thin air film during droplet impact on an immiscible liquid pool, combining experimental observations and theoretical analysis to uncover the underlying instabilities.

Contribution

It reports the first observation of spinodal and finger-like structures in entrapped air films during droplet impact, linking them to thin-film and Saffman-Taylor instabilities.

Findings

Identification of spinodal and finger-like structures in air films

Dependence of pattern scales on impact Weber number and viscosity ratios

Experimental and theoretical analysis of air film rupture dynamics

Abstract

We have detected unique hydrodynamic topology in thin air film surrounding the central air dimple formed during drop impact on an immiscible liquid pool. The pattern resembles spinodal and finger-like structures typically found in various thin condensed matter systems. However, similar structures in thin entrapped gas films during drop impacts on solids or liquids have not been reported to date. The thickness profile and the associated dewetting dynamics in the entrapped air layer are investigated experimentally and theoretically using high-speed reflection interferometric imaging and linear stability analysis. We attribute the formation of multiscale thickness perturbations, associated ruptures, and finger-like protrusions in the draining air film as a combined artifact of thin-film and Saffman-Taylor instabilities. The characteristic length scales depend on the impact Weber number, the ratio of the liquid pool to droplet viscosity, and the ratio of air-water to air-oil surface tension.