Numerical simulation of droplet impact on wettability-patterned surfaces
Antonio Russo, Matteo Icardi, Mohamed Elsharkawy, D. Ceglia, Pietro Asinari, Constantine M. Megaridis
Abstract
Detailed numerical simulations have unexplored potential in the study of droplet impact on flat surfaces that feature spatially nonuniform wettability. We demonstrate the capability of a numerical model to accurately predict the three-dimensional dynamics and outcomes of droplets orthogonally striking surfaces of spatially distributed wettability. The model successfully predicts experimental events leading to droplet splitting and lateral vectoring, providing a method for studying droplet impact on wettability patterns of any design.
Topics & Concepts
WettingMaterials scienceComputer simulationMechanicsSolid surfaceSurface (topology)Feature (linguistics)NanotechnologyComposite materialChemical physicsGeometryChemistryPhysicsMathematicsPhilosophyLinguisticsFluid Dynamics and Heat TransferSurface Modification and SuperhydrophobicityAdhesion, Friction, and Surface Interactions