Elastohydrodynamic theory for wet oblique collisions

Abstract

This paper presents a model for oblique collisions of spherical particles with a plane surface covered with a thin liquid layer. Elastohydrodynamic theory developed previously for fully immersed collisions [Davis, Serayssol and Hinch 1986 JFM 63 479–497] is modified for the normal component of motion to account for the finite thickness of the liquid layer. The resulting time evolution of the film thickness profile is then used along with sliding lubrication to determine the tangential component of motion. The critical Stokes number (dimensionless ratio of particle inertia and viscous forces), below which no rebound is seen, is predicted in terms of the physical properties of the materials involved in the collision, as described by a compliance parameter representing a dimensionless measure of elastic deformation due to viscous forces. Beyond the critical Stokes number, the normal restitution coefficient is found to increase with the Stokes number and the compliance parameter, asymptoting to the dry restitution coefficient at high Stokes numbers. The lubrication suction resistance during rebound is limited by cavitation. The tangential restitution is independent of the impact angle and is linearly dependent on the ratio of the fluid layer thickness to the sphere radius, in addition to depending on the Stokes number and compliance parameter. The tangential restitution is found to be close to unity and is generally higher for a larger value of the compliance parameter. Moreover, the tangential restitution is seen to increase with the Stokes number at small compliance and decrease with the Stokes number at large compliance. The change in rotational velocity exhibits trends that are the reverse of the tangential restitution. Finally, closed-form expressions have been developed for describing the restitution coefficients and dimensionless change in rotational velocity.