Droplet gliding

Recently, it is shown that linear millimetric ridge-like structures on a superhydrophobic surface can significantly reduce the contact time of a bouncing drop (up to 50% during normal impacts). However, the contact time rises when the impacts take place far away from the ridge. Here, we investigate the influence of a ridge on contact time during an oblique impact. The droplet starts to glide resembling a skier in a ski-jump (for particular offset impact configurations) with a remarkable reduction in contact time (up to 70%). We discuss the mechanism of droplet gliding which is very different from normal impacts onto the ridge and relate it to the contact time reduction.