On the wetting mechanism of liquid flow on hot surfaces

Abstract

To clarify some of the governing phenomena and fundamental concepts involved in the wetting process, the physical models and wetting mechanisms for four different types of flow are theoretically, experimentally or qualitatively analyzed and a film flow regime map proposed. The investigation indicates that the wetting behavior and wetting mechanisms for different types of liquid flow are distinct and separate, and that the analytical treatments should be conducted individually for different circumstances. This discussion presents several new concepts, and not only clarifies the fundamental phenomena, but also provides further insight into the mechanisms which govern the wetting of hot surfaces.