Rebound dynamics of a superhydrophobic sphere

Small solid particles impacting a water surface can become trapped, rebound, or pass through the interface [Lee & Kim, Langmuir, 24 (2008)]. In the present work, we focus on the bouncing dynamics of millimetric superhydrophobic spheres impacting the surface of a quiescent water bath. Through experiments, we characterize the dependence of the normal coefficient of restitution and contact time on the impact velocity, radius, and relative density of the sphere. We also highlight a qualitatively new regime identified that occurs near the sinking threshold for many spheres. Ongoing work and future directions will be discussed.