Physics (Internal)

Bouncing drops and draining bubbles

This event is part of the Biophysics/Condensed Matter Seminar Series.

Abstract: Interfacial fluid mechanics, such as the dynamics of drops and bubbles, are important to problems in a variety of fields. For example, superhydrophobic surfaces can repel droplets, and the dynamics of viscous bubbles are important in glass manufacturing. In this talk, I focus on two recently uncovered capillary phenomena: the reduction in contact time of a bouncing drop and the drainage of a viscous bubble prior to rupture. I will show both high-speed and time-lapse movies to highlight the phenomena, and I will discuss how experiments and mathematical modeling have given us insight into the underlying physics.