Thermal delay of drop coalescence

We present the results of a combined experimental and theoretical study of drop coalescence in the presence of an initial temperature difference ΔT0 between a drop and a bath of the same liquid. We characterize experimentally the dependence of the residence time before coalescence ΔT0 on for silicone oils with different viscosities. Delayed coalescence arises above a critical temperature difference ΔTc that depends on the fluid viscosity: for ΔT0> ΔTc, the delay time increases ΔT0^2/3 as for all liquids examined. This observed dependence is rationalized theoretically through consideration of the thermocapillary flows generated within the drop, the bath and the intervening air layer.

Duke Scholars

Author Michela Geri Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materia ...

Author Bavand Keshavarz Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materia ...