Study of the coalescence/splash threshold of droplet impact on liquid films and its relevance in assessing airborne particle release

► We model airborne particle release during the impact of droplets on a liquid film. ► New correlation distinguishes prompt splash threshold from classical splash. ► Threshold relation is relevant to qualitatively assess particulate airborne release. ► Increasing Weber number involves an increase in airborne release fraction. ► Decreasing Ohnesorge number increases the airborne release fraction.