A new approach to modeling drop-pair collisions : predicting the outcome through a fluidic-mechanical system analogy

Abstract

A theoretical study of the approach and collision of liquid-drop pairs is performed with results obtained numerically. The collision process is modeled by a squeeze-flow problem involving both planar and non-planar geometry, with attention given to the deformation of the interacting interfaces. Based on the nature of the collision process, an analogy is made between the fluidic systems of colliding liquid bodies and a mechanical mass- spring-damper system. Examination of the analogous mechanical system yields the derivation of an effective damping ratio, ζ*, which is used to predict the outcome of the drop-drop collisions. Predictions made by utilizing the effective damping ratio are then compared to experimental results presented in literature.