Modelling droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces: equilibrium states and transitions

TL;DR

This paper uses lattice Boltzmann simulations to study how droplets behave on patterned superhydrophobic surfaces, revealing increased contact angles and transition dynamics between different droplet states.

Contribution

It introduces a lattice Boltzmann method to model droplet spreading on topologically patterned substrates, capturing equilibrium states and transition behaviors.

Findings

Contact angle increases from 110° to 156° due to patterning

Transition dynamics between suspended and collapsed droplet states are characterized

Simulation results match experimental observations of superhydrophobic surfaces

Abstract

We present a lattice Boltzmann solution of the equations of motion describing the spreading of droplets on topologically patterned substrates. We apply it to model superhydrophobic behaviour on surfaces covered by an array of micron-scale posts. We find that the patterning results in a substantial increase in contact angle, from $110^o$ to $156^o$. The dynamics of the transition from drops suspended on top of the posts to drops collapsed in the grooves is described.