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Li, Wang (2023) Investigation on thermal and kinetic dynamics of droplets. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in studying the dynamics of droplets due to their broad range of applications. However, despite their prevalence in nature, accurately predicting and controlling the various behaviours of droplets, such as evaporation and impingement, remains challenging due to the intricate underlying mechanisms involved. This thesis aims to address these challenges by consolidating existing literature and conducting a comprehensive investigation into the thermal and kinetic dynamics of droplets.

Both numerical and experimental approaches were employed in this research. The numerical work utilised a multi-component multiphase pseudopotential Lattice Boltzmann model to simulate droplet dynamics. The focus was on studying the Marangoni effect by simulating droplet evaporation under localised heating. By introducing a non-uniform temperature distribution within the droplet, the temperature-induced Marangoni flow was generated, and its impact on the flow field and temperature distribution was analysed.

Additionally, under certain conditions, the emergence of an asymmetrical droplet shape was observed, resulting in the droplet sliding on smooth surfaces. Another numerical simulation was conducted to investigate droplet impingement on a conical structure. To achieve an equilibrium wetting state on the inclined surface, a modified boundary condition scheme was proposed. The influence of gravity, surface wettability, and surface temperature on the impingement process was studied, and various outcomes were observed. Furthermore, the individual contributions of each factor were analysed.

To complement the numerical investigations, an experimental study was conducted to further analyse droplet impingement on conical obstacles. High-speed cameras were employed to capture the impingement process, allowing for exploring factors not covered in the numerical research, such as cone angles and surface roughness. This study significantly enhanced the understanding of the thermal and kinetic dynamics of droplets and expanded the potential applications of droplets by leveraging their unique characteristics.

Item Type:	Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors:	Yuying, Yan
Keywords:	Droplets; Marangoni effect; Evaporation; Droplet impingement; Conical structures
Subjects:	Q Science > QC Physics
Faculties/Schools:	UK Campuses > Faculty of Engineering UK Campuses > Faculty of Engineering > Built Environment
Item ID:	74124
Depositing User:	Wang, Li
Date Deposited:	21 Jul 2023 04:40
Last Modified:	21 Jul 2023 04:40
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/74124

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