Dynamics of non-Newtonian droplets eccentrically impacting hydrophobic spherical surfaces.

In this study, the dynamic behaviors of non-Newtonian fluid droplets with shear-thinning properties eccentrically impacting hydrophobic particle surfaces are investigated through a combination of numerical simulations and experiments. The simulation integrates the dynamic contact angle and a non-Newtonian fluid power-law model within the volume of fluid model framework. The effects of apparent viscosity (η), impact velocity (v₀), and dimensionless eccentricity parameter (B) on the dynamic behaviors of non-Newtonian droplets are analyzed. Furthermore, the study offers insight into the progression of pressure distribution, kinetic energy, and liquid viscosity across droplets during the entire impact process. An energy balance analysis, which includes kinetic energy, surface energy, potential energy, and viscous dissipation, is employed to elucidate the fundamental physical mechanisms that govern the dynamics of eccentric impacts of non-Newtonian droplets. Finally, a model (Re_cr D^* = −95.7 + 11 450.6e^−B/0.18) is proposed to predict the adhesion or detachment of shear-thinning droplets eccentrically impacting hydrophobic particle surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]