Droplet splashing on a thin liquid film

We propose a theory predicting the transition between splashing and deposition for impacting drops. This theory agrees with current experimental observations and is supported by numerical simulations. It assumes that the width of the ejected liquid sheet during impact is precisely controlled by a viscous length l(nu). Numerous predictions follow this theory and they compare well with recent experiments reported by Thoroddsen [J. Fluid Mech. 451, 373 (2002)]. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.