Molecular simulation of droplet collision in the presence of ambient gas

Head-on collision of droplets has been simulated using the method of molecu lar dynamics. Recognizing that previous molecular dynamics simulations of t his phenomenon have reported only coalescence or shattering outcomes, the r esults reported show that actually the collision can result in either coale scence or bouncing of the colliding droplets, although bouncing was observe d only within a narrow band of state conditions. It was found that the ambi ent gas plays a significant, though not essential role in effecting bouncin g collision.