Anisotropic imbibition on surfaces patterned with polygonal posts

TL;DR

This paper uses lattice Boltzmann simulations to study how thick liquid films spread on surfaces with polygonal posts, revealing anisotropic spreading due to direction-dependent pinning and depinning mechanisms.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed simulation analysis of anisotropic spreading on patterned surfaces, highlighting the role of polygonal post geometry in pinning and depinning behaviors.

Findings

Spreading is direction-dependent due to pinning effects.

Anisotropic spreading occurs within specific contact angle ranges.

Different mechanisms govern pinning and depinning based on direction.

Abstract

We present and interpret lattice Boltzmann simulations of thick films spreading on surfaces patterned with polygonal posts. We show that the mechanism of pinning and depinning differs with the direction of advance, and demonstrate that this leads to anisotropic spreading within a certain range of material contact angles.