On the onset of splashing of liquid metal drops in a viscous non-oxidizing environment

Abstract

This Letter explores the onset of splashing of liquid metal drops and the underlying phenomenological reasons using a numerical approach. Validation is performed using experimental measurements, threshold splashing parameters, and by comparing splashing patterns. A significant observation is made: The ejection of the daughter droplet occurs toward the center of the mother drop instead of radially ejecting it outward. In the presence of a viscous medium, a significantly higher ejection angle of the daughter droplet between 90° and 130° is measured, compared to an air medium (average ejection angle of ∼10.6°). This work opens new avenues for further exploration of the broader topic of drop impact on a surface in viscous environments.