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Impact dynamics of droplet containing particle suspensions on deep liquid pool

Boqian Yan1 and Xiaoyu Tang1,2,*

  • *Contact author: x.tang@northeastern.edu
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Phys. Rev. Fluids 11, 060501 – Published 22 June, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/fxw2-38g4

Abstract

Droplets impacting on liquid pools have been extensively studied because of their complex dynamics and relevance to many natural and industrial processes. However, most of the research has focused on droplets of Newtonian fluids, and much less is known about droplets containing suspension particles, which adds another layer of complexity of non-Newtonian effect. To address this gap, we studied droplets containing cornstarch particles impacting a deep water pool over a range of impact velocities u0 (0.5–3m/s) and particle volume fractions ϕ (36.8–47.5%). We identified five distinct impact phenomena, several of which are absent in the impacts of Newtonian droplets, and collected them in a regime map in the nondimensional space of Weber number and ϕ. Through an energy-based scaling analysis, we elucidated the origins of and transitions between these phenomena, revealing that the competition between the pool cavity dynamics and the rheological properties of the suspension is the key factor governing the observed impact behaviors. Our results deepen the understanding of the complex interplay between impact dynamics, cavity evolution, and suspension rheology, offering practical guidance for a range of engineering applications.

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Phys. Rev. Fluids 11, 060501– Published 22 June, 2026
  • Received 12 March 2026
  • Accepted 29 May 2026
Article part of CHORUS
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