Leidenfrost droplets trampoline

TL;DR

This paper investigates the complex oscillation behaviors of Leidenfrost droplets, revealing universal self-regulating modes and transitions during evaporation on hot surfaces through experimental and theoretical analysis.

Contribution

It uncovers the sequence of oscillation modes in Leidenfrost droplets and explains the mechanisms behind mode transitions, demonstrating universality across different liquids and surfaces.

Findings

Droplets exhibit erratic, stable, and bouncing oscillation stages.

Transitions between modes are governed by droplet size and surface conditions.

Universal behavior observed across various liquid-surface combinations.

Abstract

A liquid droplet hovering on a hot surface is commonly referred to as a Leidenfrost droplet. In this study, we discover that a Leidenfrost droplet involuntarily performs a series of distinct oscillations as it shrinks during the span of its life. The oscillation first starts out erratically, followed by a stage with stable frequencies, and finally turns into periodic bouncing with signatures of a parametric oscillation and occasional resonances. The last bouncing stage exhibits nearly perfect collisions. We showed experimentally and theoretically the enabling effects of each oscillation mode and how the droplet switches between such modes. We finally show that these self-regulating oscillation modes and the conditions for transitioning between modes are universal for all tested combinations of liquids and surfaces.