Numerical simulation of droplet impact on vibrating low-adhesion surfaces

Abstract

The impact of droplets on low-adhesion solid surfaces vibrating in the vertical direction was numerically investigated. An axisymmetric multiphase lattice Boltzmann model capable of handling high density and viscosity ratios was implemented to simulate the impact. The effects of vibration parameters on the spreading, contact time, and droplet rebound velocity were addressed. According to the results, the phase angle of the surface vibration is the most dominant factor in determining the dynamics of the droplet upon impact. The contact time generally increases when the surface is vibrated. However, for a certain range of phase angles, the contact time can decrease, as compared to the stationary surface. The rebound velocity also shows a strong dependence on the vibration frequency and phase angle. For droplets with higher impact velocities, the surface vibration becomes a less important factor, whereas on surfaces with lower contact angles, the impact dynamics are much more heavily affected by the surface vibration. The rebound velocity is also heavily affected by surface vibration and varies depending on the frequency and phase angle. This study offers insights into the physics of droplet impact upon vibrating surfaces, which can be utilized to improve surface wettability control in applications where vibration is present.