Exploring the Role of Initial Droplet Position in Coalescence-Induced Droplet Jumping: Lattice Boltzmann Simulations

Coalescence-induced droplet jumping on superhydrophobic surfaces with different initial positions was numerically simulated using the 2D multi-relaxation-time (MRT) Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). Simulation results show that for coalesced droplets radii close to structure length scale, change of leads a significant deviation velocity and direction. By finely tuning flat-pillared surface, perpendicular jumping, oblique non-jumping are successively observed same structured surface. Droplet morphologies vector diagrams at moments considered. It is revealed asymmetric detachment from surface directional transport liquid mass in further droplet. In order eliminate influence position probability, pointed micropillars designed. demonstrated compared flat-topped micropillars, can suppress effects enhance probability. Furthermore, effect droplet/structure scale investigated. The coalescence-induced refined be ignored when larger than three times scale. This study illustrates role provides guidelines rational design enhanced self-shedding energy heat transfer applications.