LAUSR

Abstract We studied the early time dynamics of viscous drop spreading on a liquid–fluid interface. Unlike spreading on solid substrate, a drop deforms at the base as it spreads on a liquid–fluid interface. Hence the dynamics are seen to deviate from the classical power law of spreading. Experimental observations allowed us to establish a simple empirical expression to predict the temporal growth of the contact radius. Further, inertial oscillations were observed for spreading of less viscous liquid drop that can be described by the inertial capillarity model.