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Symmetry breaking in drop bouncing on curved surfaces

Author

Listed:
  • Yahua Liu

    (City University of Hong Kong
    Key Laboratory for Precision & Non-traditional Machining Technology of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology)

  • Matthew Andrew

    (The Rudolf Peierls Centre for Theoretical Physics)

  • Jing Li

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Julia M. Yeomans

    (The Rudolf Peierls Centre for Theoretical Physics)

  • Zuankai Wang

    (City University of Hong Kong
    Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

The impact of liquid drops on solid surfaces is ubiquitous in nature, and of practical importance in many industrial processes. A drop hitting a flat surface retains a circular symmetry throughout the impact process. Here we show that a drop impinging on Echevaria leaves exhibits asymmetric bouncing dynamics with distinct spreading and retraction along two perpendicular directions. This is a direct consequence of the cylindrical leaves that have a convex/concave architecture of size comparable to the drop. Systematic experimental investigations on mimetic surfaces and lattice Boltzmann simulations reveal that this novel phenomenon results from an asymmetric momentum and mass distribution that allows for preferential fluid pumping around the drop rim. The asymmetry of the bouncing leads to ∼40% reduction in contact time.

Suggested Citation

  • Yahua Liu & Matthew Andrew & Jing Li & Julia M. Yeomans & Zuankai Wang, 2015. "Symmetry breaking in drop bouncing on curved surfaces," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms10034
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10034
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    Cited by:

    1. Shengteng Zhao & Zhichao Ma & Mingkai Song & Libo Tan & Hongwei Zhao & Luquan Ren, 2023. "Golden section criterion to achieve droplet trampoline effect on metal-based superhydrophobic surface," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Zhipeng Zhao & Huizeng Li & An Li & Wei Fang & Zheren Cai & Mingzhu Li & Xiqiao Feng & Yanlin Song, 2021. "Breaking the symmetry to suppress the Plateau–Rayleigh instability and optimize hydropower utilization," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-7, December.

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