Temperature- and curvature-dependent surface tensions and Tolman lengths for real fluids: A mesoscopic investigation

The curvature and temperature dependency of the liquid-vapor surface tension has a significant influence on accurate prediction nanobubble/nanodrop nucleation process. In this work, mesoscopic approach combining pseudo-potential multiphase lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), principle dynamic similarity, van der Waals theory corresponding states is adopted to quantitatively investigate Tolman length for real fluids (water R134a). By length, we mean distance from equimolar surface, which measures extent by nanodrop/nanobubble deviates flat interface limit. We show that lengths interfaces (δF) increase with are proportional (1−Tr)−1.044. Equations predicting tensions water R134a effects radius taken into consideration proposed. demonstrate while (δB) decrease nanobubbles. For nanodroplets, however, (δD) curvature. Effects equation state fluids, determines interparticle interaction force in LBM, also discussed. This can quantify various wide range low computation costs, providing new avenue processes micro-/nanoscale phase change heat transfer applications boiling, evaporation, condensation.