Coalescence Dynamics of Fluids in Two Dimensions: Merging of Islands in Freely-Suspended Smectic Films

ORAL

Abstract

Smectic liquid crystal films a few molecular layers thick that are freely suspended in air are used as a model system to study the coalescence of fluids in two dimensions. High-speed video microscopy is used to study the coalescence of islands, thicker, disk-shaped regions of the film bounded by edge dislocations. The early time growth of the bridge connecting the merging islands is essentially linear, while at long times the relaxation dynamics are exponential. The observations are compared with Hopper’s classical hydrodynamic model of the coalescence of two infinitely long, fluid cylinders [Journal of the American Ceramic Society 76, 2947 (1993)] and with models appropriate to quasi-two dimensional fluids developed by Mann [ Phys. Rev. E 51, 5708 (1995)] and Camley [Biophysical Journal 99, L44 (2010)] to explain their observations of domain relaxation in Langmuir films.

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Presenters

  • Joseph E MacLennan

    Physics and Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Physics and Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado

Authors

  • Duong Nguyen

    Physics and Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado Boulder

  • Kirsten Harth

    Institute of Solid State Physics, Otto-von-Guericke Universitat, Institute of Solid State Physics, Otto von Guericke University

  • Aaron Goldfain

    Physics and Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado Boulder, Harvard University

  • Cheol Park

    Physics and Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado Boulder, Physics and Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado

  • Joseph E MacLennan

    Physics and Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Physics and Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado

  • Matthew Glaser

    Physics and Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Institute of Solid State Physics, Otto von Guericke University

  • Noel Anthony Clark

    Physics and Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Physics and Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado