Lussier D., Kakalis N.M.P., Ventikos Y.
University of Oxford, UK
Keywords: impact, liquid layer, molecular dynamics, nanodroplet
In this paper, several aspects of the dynamic behaviour of liquid nanodroplets impacting on liquid substrates are investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We consider liquid droplets of 5-10 nm in diameter, consisting of 7,000 to 50,000 atoms interacting via the Lennard-Jones potential. We simulate the impulsively accelerated movement of such droplets and their splashing on a liquid layer with the same interactions. We study and analyse the phenomena emerging when the nanodroplet hits the substrate, like absorption and/or crater formation, as well as the subsequent smoothing process at various impact velocities and different substrate characteristics. Aside from the physical mechanisms revealed, associated with the small scale of these systems, the results provide valuable insight for improving nano-scale aspects in a multitude of systems, from environmental processes, to energy generation and drug delivery protocols.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 264 - 267
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Micro & Bio Fluidics, Lab-on-Chip
ISBN: 1-4200-6184-4