Heat flux characteristics of a single droplet splashing on the liquid film obtained with a thermal lattice Boltzmann method

Abstract

The double-distribution-function thermal lattice Boltzmann method is employed to investigate the heat flux characteristics of single droplet impact on a liquid film above a heated wall. The effects of impact velocity, liquid film thickness, droplet radius, and viscosity coefficient on the average and instant heat flux distribution are analyzed. The droplet impact first breaks the steady-state thermal boundary layer in the impact region, causing the heat flux in the wall impact region to increase. This is because the temperature gradient between the liquid film and the wall increases as the droplet dives downward and expands. The velocity discontinuity at the liquid jet sheet prevents the transfer of the transverse velocity in the liquid film to the static region, yielding a transition region. Convective heat transfer is dominant in the impact and transition regions, while conductive heat transfer is dominant in the static region. Moreover, a large impact velocity promotes the synergy between the temperature and flow velocity fields, enhancing the heat transfer efficiency. The kinetic energy consumption of the droplet increases with the liquid film thickness, which causes the heat flux to decrease. The effect of droplet radius on the heat flux at the wall is minimal. Furthermore, an increased liquid viscosity is not beneficial for wall heat dissipation.