Abstract
We consider the effect of evaporation on the aggregation of a number of elastic objects due to a liquid’s surface tension. In particular, we consider an array of spring–block elements in which the gaps between blocks are filled by thin liquid films that evaporate during the course of an experiment. Using lubrication theory to account for the fluid flow within the gaps, we study the dynamics of aggregation. We find that a non-zero evaporation rate causes the elements to aggregate more quickly and, indeed, to contact within finite time. However, we also show that the final number of elements within each cluster decreases as the evaporation rate increases. We explain these results quantitatively by comparison with the corresponding two-body problem and discuss their relevance for controlling pattern formation in elastocapillary systems.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 168-185 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | Journal of Fluid Mechanics |
| Volume | 792 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Mar 1 2016 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
KAUST Repository Item: Exported on 2022-06-01Acknowledged KAUST grant number(s): KUK-C1-013-04
Acknowledgements: K.S. and D.V. wish to acknowledge the support of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST; Award No. KUK-C1-013-04), and the John Fell Oxford University Press (OUP) Research Fund.
This publication acknowledges KAUST support, but has no KAUST affiliated authors.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering
- Condensed Matter Physics