Physical Review Fluids

Author(s): Abhijit Kumar Kushwaha, Sankara Arunachalam, Ville Jokinen, Dan Daniel, and Tadd T. Truscott

Seven superimposed images capture the motion of a 42 μL water droplet sliding down an inclined superhydrophobic surface. Upon deposition, the droplet partially wets the surface, with interferometry revealing a heterogeneous distribution of white and black patches characteristic of the Cassie–Baxter state. As the droplet accelerates and reaches higher velocities, it entrains air from the surroundings, forming a thin lubricating air layer beneath it. This air layer thickens progressively with increasing velocity, and once a critical threshold is exceeded, the droplet transitions into a state of aerodynamic levitation.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 103603] Published Wed Oct 22, 2025

Author(s): Takahiro Kanazawa and Kenta Ishimoto

Crawling animals like snails and slugs move by generating waves along their bodies over thin layers of fluid. Using lubrication theory, we derived a general formula for locomotion speed when the viscosity of the fluid layer varies in space and showed that the model captures two common locomotion patterns: transverse and longitudinal crawling. Furthermore, through multiple-scale perturbation expansions, we analytically demonstrate how position-dependent viscosity can slow locomotion, depending on the crawling gait and direction of motion. The results reveal nonlinear, accumulative mechanical interactions between locomotion and a heterogeneous environment.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 103102] Published Tue Oct 21, 2025

Author(s): Sidyant Kumar, Sachchida Nand Tripathi, and Sanjay Kumar

Atomization of liquid drops has practical engineering applications such as in combustion, sprays, and others. We experimentally study the shear stripping mode of atomization where a liquid drop interacts with a normal shock wave and deforms under shock-induced flow. The initial deformation and circumferential surface waves on the drop are governed by shear instability (Kelvin-Helmholtz). The wave amplification redistributes liquid and the drop evolves into a bowl. Flow acceleration induces modulations, forming an azimuthal ring with its own rim. Two sub-modes emerge: Ligament mode with sheet shearing at lower velocities, and Cellular mode with localized cells at relatively higher velocities.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 103602] Published Tue Oct 21, 2025

Author(s): Yuchen Ye (叶宇晨), Yan Yang (杨艳), Bin Jiang (蒋彬), Cheng Li (李程), Minping Wan (万敏平), Yipeng Shi (史一蓬), and Sean Oughton

We investigate how finite Reynolds number affects the width of the Inertial Range (IR) in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence. A set of high-resolution incompressible MHD simulation data is employed, with Taylor Reynolds Number Reλ ranging from about 200 to 400. The IR width is quantified using third-order laws. A semi-empirical model for second-order structure functions is established and applied to the MHD von Karman-Howarth equation, determining IR boundaries for given Reynolds numbers. This model allows extrapolation of Reλ beyond the reach of current simulations or experiments. We suggest that establishing a two-decade IR in MHD turbulence requires Reλ to be at least 1,500.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 103703] Published Tue Oct 21, 2025

Author(s): Max Herzog and Jesse Capecelatro

We present results from direct numerical simulations of turbulent channel flow laden with adhesive (viscoelastic) particles. Particles demonstrate higher adhesion strengths at elevated temperatures, an effect we probe by varying the adhesion number. Using spanwise radial distribution functions, we show that particle heterogeneity near and on the wall is promoted by turbulence. Furthermore, low-adhesion, high-inertia particles demonstrate spanwise creep along the wall, leading to elongated streamwise deposits. Abrasive wear profiles highlight the consequences of heterogeneity, with local wear exceeding ten times the mean.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 104302] Published Tue Oct 21, 2025

Author(s): Lokendra Mohan Sharma, Harish N. Dixit, and Lakshmana Dora Chandrala

While immiscible liquid jets play vital roles in applications from chemical reactors to environmental flows, understanding their dynamics has been hindered by optical distortions at fluid interfaces. Using simultaneous Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) with refractive index-matched fluids, this study provides comprehensive experimental validation of both inviscid and viscous analytical models for buoyant liquid-in-liquid jets in the laminar regime. The study uncovers two distinct scaling regimes: an inertia-dominated near field and a viscosity-governed far field, with buoyancy and jet Reynolds number controlling dynamics while surface tension and outer-phase viscosity play minor roles.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 104303] Published Tue Oct 21, 2025

Author(s): Samuel Kok Suen Cheng and Jian Sheng

The reconstruction of the conserved scalar from gradient field like pressure is important in many applications. Most current direct integration algorithms initiate the integration at the domain boundaries, where gradient measurement is often unreliable. This study proposes the Boundary-Independent Shortest Path (BISP) integration method, which initiates at an internal node and grows outwards towards the boundaries, thereby eliminating any dependency on the boundaries. This integration algorithm can be directly applied to pressure gradient fields containing inner voids of arbitrary shapes and sizes without compromising the accuracy.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 104604] Published Tue Oct 21, 2025

Author(s): F. Zabaleta, B. Bornhoft, S. S. Jain, S. T. Bose, and P. Moin

Accurate heat transfer prediction on rough surfaces is critical for ice accretion prediction and aviation safety. Using high-fidelity simulations of conjugate heat transfer, we resolve heat transport in both the fluid and a low-conductivity solid featuring laser-scanned ice roughness. Contrary to the behavior of isothermal surfaces, the low thermal conductivity of the solid causes roughness crests to become the coolest points, sometimes even drawing heat from the air. This work highlights the necessity of including solid conduction effects in next-generation icing models.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 104603] Published Mon Oct 20, 2025

Author(s): Wei Cai, ShuaiShuai Jiang, He Wang, Pei Wang, DongJun Ma, and Ting Si

While shock-tube experiments on the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI) have been extensively conducted under weak-shock conditions, such experiments under strong-shock conditions remain rare. This study presents the first shock-tube experiments on RMI at V-shaped interfaces driven by shocks with Mach numbers exceeding 3.0, demonstrating that interface evolution depends on initial amplitude and involves compressibility, Mach-reflection, shock-proximity, and secondary-compression effects absent under weak-shock conditions. These effects render existing linear and nonlinear models inadequate. Guided by present experimental findings and physical understanding, empirical models are developed.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 104005] Published Thu Oct 16, 2025

Author(s): Yangyang Sha, Yuhang Xu, Yingjie Wei, Xiaojian Ma, and Cong Wang

In fluid experiments, obtaining velocity fields at high temporal resolution is often prohibitively expensive. This study introduces a semi-supervised deep learning framework that leverages low-cost, high-speed cavitation phase imaging to eliminate the need for high-frequency velocity labels. Applied to cavitating hydrofoil flows, the method reconstructs temporally super-resolved velocity fields from sparse, low-frequency samples and demonstrates robust generalization under unsteady conditions. These results highlight an efficient and economical approach for modeling complex multiphase flows.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 104301] Published Thu Oct 16, 2025

Author(s): Li Wei, Xiaoxian Guo, and Xuefeng Wang

Deep learning models for particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) often suffer from complex, black-box architectures that limit efficiency and real-world generalization. We propose a physics-informed variational framework that explicitly embeds classical fluid principles, like incompressibility, into its multi-scale inference structure. This principled design eliminates the need for complex black-box components and achieves new state-of-the-art accuracy on challenging flows. Crucially, the model shows outstanding generalization, applying directly to riverine data without retraining, defining a new path for robust and physically consistent flow measurement.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 104902] Published Thu Oct 16, 2025

Author(s): Oscar Flores and Manuel Garcia-Villalba

While biological systems like dragonflies and schooling fish achieve remarkable performance through coordinated hydrodynamic interactions, the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains incomplete. This review examines how vortex dynamics, structural flexibility, and 3D effects influence performance in tandem flapping wing systems. It is shown that for tandems of spanwise-flexible wings, the forewing achieves maximum thrust through fluid-structure resonance while moderately stiff hindwings effectively capture upstream wake structures leading to increased overall performance. The mechanisms by which self-propelled systems achieve energy savings are also discussed.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 100502] Published Wed Oct 15, 2025

Author(s): Thibault Maurel-Oujia and Kazuki Maeda

Nonequilibrium reactive molecular dynamics simulations reveal detailed structures of a Mach 5 shock wave in a gaseous H2/O2 mixture, driven by the large mass disparity between H2 and O2 molecules.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 103201] Published Wed Oct 15, 2025

Author(s): Ming Yu, Siwei Dong, Zhigong Tang, and Xianxu Yuan

Rarefaction effects in compressible turbulent boundary layers is investigated by imposing slip boundary conditions at the wall. The Kolmogorov and viscous length scales are an order of magnitude higher than the molecular mean free path. The influences of the slip boundary conditions on turbulent flow statistics are restricted within the viscous sublayer. The mean wall heat flux, vorticity and velocity divergence fluctuation intensities are obviously affected.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 103401] Published Wed Oct 15, 2025

Author(s): R. J. Teed and E. Dormy

Recent numerical experiments of dynamo action relevant to the generation of the geomagnetic field have produced different regime branches identified within bifurcation diagrams. In this work, we identify a variety of dynamo states on the weak-field branch beyond the known dipolar solutions. Some solutions exhibit clear scale separation between small-scale flow and large-scale magnetic field, despite the large ratio of viscosity to magnetic diffusion. Numerical solutions in this regime have not been observed before and they offer a first connection with earlier theoretical work based on mean-field theory.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 103702] Published Wed Oct 15, 2025

Author(s): Dongqi Li, Zhibing Yang, Renjun Zhang, Amir A. Pahlavan, Ran Hu, and Yi-Feng Chen

Understanding particle-mediated interfacial processes in confined spaces undergoing deformation is important for many natural and industrial processes. Here, we combine laboratory experiments and theoretical analysis to investigate how particle dynamics shapes suspension-air interfacial pattern formation when the suspension is stretched. It is found that even slightly nonuniform particle concentration promotes wavy and finger-like morphologies, while particle perturbations lead to dendritic pattern with strong finger branching.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 104004] Published Wed Oct 15, 2025

Author(s): Darren Crowdy

The mechanism of surfactant diffusion between two edges of the active face of a Janus swimmer is shown to lead to a translational-rotational coupling leading to swimming in circles. The mechanism is exemplified using a two-dimensional model system amenable to closed-form representation of the swimmer trajectory and the Stokes flow it generates.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 104101] Published Wed Oct 15, 2025

Author(s): Dario De Marinis, Domenico Careccia, Francesco Ferrara, and Marco Donato de Tullio

This study employs a Lattice Boltzmann-based fluid-structure interaction framework to investigate how channel geometry, particle properties, and flow regimes affect inertial migration and secondary flows in curved microchannels. After validation against benchmark cases, the work reports, for the first time, fully resolved numerical simulations of multiple-particle focusing in realistic serpentine microchannel geometries.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 104202] Published Wed Oct 15, 2025

Author(s): Jun Hu, Ruiwei Xing, and Baofang Song

This study explores instabilities of an upward mixed convection flow in a vertical heated pipe under a transverse magnetic field through linear global stability analysis and direct numerical simulations. The critical curves in the parameter plane of the Rayleigh number and the Hartmann number are presented for both thermal-buoyant and thermal-shear instabilities, and reveal that under the action of the magnetic field the two plane symmetric spiral modes are broken into two asymmetric branches. Direct numerical simulations are further used to investigate the transition routes from regular laminar flows to more complex nonlinear spatiotemporal structures.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 103901] Published Tue Oct 14, 2025

Author(s): Megan Delens and Nicolas Vandewalle

Capillary-driven self-assembly at liquid interfaces, often illustrated by the “Cheerios effect,” has been limited to simple configurations. By introducing anisotropic, saddle-shaped particles, we demonstrate how quadrupolar capillary interactions can be encoded to achieve both end-to-end and side-by-side attraction; what we call the “Pringles effect.” Our theoretical model and experiments with 3D-printed objects reveal a versatile route to reprogrammable mesoscale assemblies, bridging capillarity and design for complex self-organization.

[Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 104003] Published Tue Oct 14, 2025