Investigation of Motion of Fine Droplets on Solid Surface by Phase-field Model-based Simulation

Abstract

For numerically investigating motion of fine droplet on micro/nano-structured solid surfaces, phase-field model (PFM)-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed in two and three dimensions. The Cahn–Hilliard (CH) equation or the conservative Allen–Cahn (CAC) equation is adopted to calculate the advection and construction of diffusive interfaces. Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) -based in-house code or Finite Element Method (FEM)-based commercial CAE software is used to solve a set of the Navier–Stokes (NS) equations of fluid and the diffuse-interface advection equation for an immiscible incompressible isothermal two-phase fluid system. The PFM-CFD simulation results are evaluated in comparison with available experimental data to optimally design various micro-fluidic devices such as a novel heat exchanger which can enhance dropwise condensation with structured superhydrophobic solid surface.