Numerical simulation on partial coalescence of a droplet with different impact velocities*

Partial coalescence is a complicated flow phenomenon. In the present study, the coalescence process is simulated with the volume of fluid (VOF) method. The numerical results reveal that a downward high-velocity region plays a significant role in partial coalescence. The high-velocity region pulls the droplet downward continuously which is an important factor for the droplet turning into a prolate shape and the final pinch-off. The shift from partial coalescence to full coalescence is explained based on the droplet shape before the pinch-off. With the droplet impact velocity increasing, the droplet shape will get close to a sphere before the pinch-off. When the shape gets close enough to a sphere, the partial coalescence shifts to full coalescence. The effect of film thickness on the coalescence process is also investigated. With large film thickness, partial coalescence happens, while with small film thickness, full coalescence happens. In addition, the results indicate that the critical droplet impact velocity increases with the increase of surface tension coefficient but decreases with the increase of viscosity and initial droplet diameter. And there is a maximum critical Weber number with the increase of surface tension coefficient and initial droplet diameter.

Automated summary

Partial coalescence is a complex flow phenomenon that involves a downward high-velocity region affecting droplet shape and coalescence transition. Droplets tend to transition from partial to full coalescence when their shape approaches a sphere before pinch-off. Factors influencing the coalescence process include film thickness, surface tension coefficient, initial droplet diameter, and impact velocity.