Using Cahn-Hilliard mobility to simulate coalescence dynamics

In droplet-droplet collision processes, such as bouncing and coalescence, the following stages can be identified: droplet approach, film drainage, film rupture and the hydrodynamics of coalescence driven by capillary forces. The film rupture process represents a remaining challenge for numerical models intended to simulate the outcome of collisions. It has been proposed that the lattice Boltzmann framework has a mesoscale nature that is suitable for modeling of film rupture. The present work examines diffuse coalescence based on the Cahn-Hilliard free energy for non-uniform systems. No empirical coalescence criterion is needed as the diffuse mechanism is based on a thermodynamic description with its own time characteristics. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.