We characterize and model the spatiotemporal deformation of an elastic film during the radial drainage of fluid from a narrowing gap. Elastic deformation of the film takes the form of a dimple and prevents contact to be reached. Broadening of the dimple as the surfaces approach follows a relationship derived for droplets. With thinner elastic film the stress becomes increasingly supported by the underlying rigid substrate, the dimple formation is suppressed, which allows the surfaces to reach contact. Finally, we show that for a given fluid film thickness, the elastic deformation leads to stronger hydrodynamic forces than for rigid surfaces.

Approach to contact of soft or structured surfaces in fluids

251st National Meeting (2016)

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