Bounds on the Spreading Radius in Droplet Impact: The Inviscid Case

Abstract

We consider the classical problem of droplet impact and droplet spread on a smooth surface in the case of an ideal inviscid fluid. We revisit the rim-lamella model of Roisman et al. [\textit{Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences}, 458(2022), pp.1411-1430.]. This model comprises a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs); we present a rigorous theoretical analysis of these ODEs, and derive upper and lower bounds for the maximum spreading radius. Both bounds possess a $\mathrm{We}^{1/2}$ scaling behaviour, and by a sandwich result, the spreading radius itself also possesses this scaling. We demonstrate rigorously that the rim-lamella model is self-consistent: once a rim forms, its height will invariably exceed that of the lamella. We introduce a rational procedure to obtain initial conditions for the rim-lamella model. Our approach to solving the rim-lamella model gives predictions for the maximum droplet spread that are in close agreement with existing experimental studies and direct numerical simulations.