Publications


Title : Interface dynamics under nonequilibrium conditions: From a self-propelled droplet to dynamic pattern evolution

Language: English
Type: Article
Authors: Yongjun Chen and Kenichi Yoshikawa
Journal: European Physical Journal E
Volume: 34
Number: 4
Month: 4
Year: 2011
Actual year: 2011
Pages: 38-6
doi:   10.1140/epje/i2011-11038-3
Abstract: In this article, we describe the instability of a contact line under nonequilibrium conditions mainly based on the results of our recent studies. Two experimental examples are presented: the self-propelled motion of a liquid droplet and spontaneous dynamic pattern formation. For the self-propelled motion of a droplet, we introduce an experiment in which a droplet of aniline sitting on an aqueous layer moves spontaneously at an air-water interface. The spontaneous symmetry breaking of Marangoni-driven spreading causes regular motion. In a circular Petri dish, the droplet exhibits either beeline motion or circular motion. On the other hand, we show the emergence of a dynamic labyrinthine pattern caused by dewetting of a metastable thin film from the air-water interface. The contact line between the organic phase and the aqueous phase forms a unique spatio-temporal pattern characterized as a dynamic labyrinth. Motion of the contact line is controlled by diffusion processes. We propose a theoretical model to interpret essential aspects of the observed dynamic behavior.

"Interface dynamics under nonequilibrium conditions: From a self-propelled droplet to dynamic pattern evolution "

Yongjun Chen and Kenichi Yoshikawa, European Physical Journal E, 34, 38-6 (2011)