Uncertainty of the shadow method for the analysis of evaporating droplets

Abstract

The shadow method of image analysis is the most commonly used experimental technique for investigation of evaporating droplet dynamics and wettability. So, the shadow method uncertainty and limit of its applicability for analysis of evaporating droplets are actual issues. In this paper, we experimentally study the applicability limit of the shadow image analysis and contributions of errors, connected with non-telecentricity of the optical system, as well as diffraction and numerical errors, at various stages of droplet evaporation.