Droplets sliding on fibres.
Eur Phys J E Soft Matter
; 31(3): 253-62, 2010 Mar.
Article
de En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20229013
ABSTRACT
We present the results of a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of oil droplets sliding on fibres. First, both the axisymmetric shape and the motion of a droplet on a vertical fibre are described. The motion is shown to result from a balance between the droplet weight and the viscous stresses. On a long-term range, the droplet loses some mass through coating the fibre, which decreases its velocity. In a second time, we rationalize the behaviour of a droplet that encounters a junction between vertical and horizontal fibres. Depending on its size, the droplet may cross the junction or remain blocked. The transition is well described by an ordinary differential equation equivalent to a damped harmonic oscillator truncated to the neighbourhood of the horizontal fibre. This simple system is the basic element for more complex fiber networks that would be useful in microfluidic applications involving droplets.
Texte intégral:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Base de données:
MEDLINE
Sujet principal:
Huiles
/
Déplacement
Langue:
En
Journal:
Eur Phys J E Soft Matter
Sujet du journal:
BIOFISICA
Année:
2010
Type de document:
Article
Pays d'affiliation:
États-Unis d'Amérique