Berlin 2012 – scientific programme

Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help

DY: Fachverband Dynamik und Statistische Physik

DY 3: Fluid dynamics I

DY 3.8: Talk

Monday, March 26, 2012, 11:45–12:00, MA 144

Impact of micrometer droplets on free-standing fluid films — •Sarah Dölle, Thomas John, Alexey Eremin, and Ralf Stannarius — Abteilung Nichtlineare Phänomene, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdebrug, Deutschland

Smectic liquid crystals can form homogeneous free-standing fluid films. With a thickness on the order nanometers and lateral extensions up to several centimeters, they are unique systems to study fluid dynamics in two dimensions. Picoliter droplets of water are shot on these films with a microdispenser. Via high speed imaging, we investigate the impact of the droplets on curved and planar films, and the subsequent shape changes. Capillary forces and surface effects play the major roles for the equilibration of the droplet. Additionally, one has to take into account the elastic forces of the liquid crystal due to the molecular layer order.