Spreading of Droplets Impacting on Smooth Solid Surface

Abstract

An analytical model is developed to predict maximum droplet diameters after droplets impact on a smooth solid surface. The initial total energy of the droplet causes spreading on the substrate, which is opposed by viscous work, contact line work, and surface energy. In dimensionless form, the maximum spread factor can be expressed as a function of Reynolds number, Weber number, and advancing contact angle.