Axisymmetric Lattice Boltzmann Model of Droplet Impact on Curved Surfaces

The fast rebound of droplets from surfaces is essential in many engineering applications, as it preserves the dryness of a surface and prevents corrosion. Other applications include anti-icing, self-cleaning and anti-contaminated surfaces. During the impact of a droplet on curved surface, the morphology of the droplet evolves differently compared to that on flat surface. For instance, the central lamella of the droplet exhibits complex variation in thickness during impact. This complex morphological change may result in a reduction in the contact time. Using axisymmetric lattice Boltzmann model, the dynamic behavior of droplet impact on hydrophobic curved surfaces will be studied. The study will reveal the dynamic evolution inside and outside the lamella during impact, mainly, the velocity vectors field and the morphological progress of the droplet. The contact time between the droplet and the solid surface before total rebound will be measured for various impact scenarios i.e. different equilibrium contact angles and different surface curvature, which will assist in the optimization of contact time in related applications.