Liquid vortex surface deformation probed by light reflection

Abstract

We propose a method that combines an optical system with image processing techniques to scrutinize the dependence of liquid vortex deformation on varying angular velocity based on light reflection on liquid surfaces due to dynamic wettability. In our experiment, a broadened and collimated laser beam is directed onto curved surfaces, providing information on the vortex parameters through the analysis of the reflected beam profile. Additionally, the physical model of the liquid surface in a rotating cylinder before dewetting is examined. We investigate the liquid vortex forms of a saline solution and propylene glycol across various angular velocities, comparing them to the ideal parabolic vortex surface shape. The results show that, under the same experimental conditions, the vortex profiles of both solutions are equivalent. The vortex surface shape at certain angular velocity values, as determined by fitting plots, closely resembles a parabola, with R2 > 99%. The proposed method introduces a new approach for characterizing the dynamics of liquids as well as monitoring natural phenomena.