Drop on a bent fibre

Zhao Pan, Floriane Weyer, William G. Pitt, Nicolas Vandewalle, Tadd T. Truscott

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Inspired by the huge droplets attached on cypress tree leaf tips after rain, we find that a bent fibre can hold significantly more water in the corner than a horizontally placed fibre (typically up to three times or more). The maximum volume of the liquid that can be trapped is remarkably affected by the bending angle of the fibre and surface tension of the liquid. We experimentally find the optimal included angle (∼36°) that holds the most water. Analytical and semi-empirical models are developed to explain these counter-intuitive experimental observations and predict the optimal angle. The data and models could be useful for designing microfluidic and fog harvesting devices.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3724-3729
Number of pages6
JournalSoft Matter
Volume14
Issue number19
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2018
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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