Asymmetric solidification during droplet freezing in the presence of a neighboring droplet

• Infrared (IR) surface temperature measurements of a pair freezing droplets. High-fidelity numerical simulation droplet-to-droplet interactions during solidification. Droplet-to-droplet result in asymmetric Size ratio the droplets impacts relative severity asymmetry. Quantitative breakdown pathways for heat exchange sequential solidification neighboring A supercooled liquid droplet that freezes on cold substrate interacts with local surroundings through and mass exchange. Heat loss occurs to via conduction at interface evaporative cooling, diffusion, convection. In group many droplets, these are believed be responsible inter-droplet frost propagation evaporation Furthermore, between standalone its can lead formation condensation halos induced by external flows. This paper investigates droplet, which asymmetries observed final shape frozen droplet. Side-view infrared thermography along three-dimensional simulations process, used quantify intensity nature interactions. Two interaction mechanisms causing identified: (1) non-uniform cooling caused vapor starvation air droplets; (2) thermal resistance contact area within The combined experimental results show size neighbor significantly impact and, therefore, degree small presence large blocks from freely diffusing causes substantial asymmetry process. investigated this provide insights into role latent dissipation frosting.