Three-dimensional dynamics of falling droplet impact on a thin liquid substrate: a Lattice Boltzmann study

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the three-dimensional dynamics of droplet impact on a thin liquid substrate using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The LBM solver is employed to simulate the fluid dynamics of the droplet-substrate interaction and the subsequent formation of waves on the substrate surface. The study specifically focuses on the influence of Weber number on the collision dynamics between the droplet and substrate, as well as the resulting wave patterns. The simulation results provide insights into the behaviour of the droplet-substrate interface, including the formation of a 'neck' region and the fluid recirculation around it. Moreover, the study examines the impact of Weber's number on the amplitude and frequency of the resulting waves. This research holds significant implications for applications in microfluidic and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS*), where a thorough understanding of droplet impact dynamics is crucial for the design and optimisation of inkjet print heads and other droplet-based systems. By offering an in-depth understanding of the droplet-substrate interaction, this study contributes to the development of more efficient and precise droplet production systems.