Microdroplet dynamics on solid surface: The effect of wetting and surface tension using lattice Boltzmann method

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the micro-scale dynamics of droplet impact on solid surfaces with varying wettability, using a 3D modeling approach to capture the intricate behavior of microdroplets. We employed the multi-relaxation times pseudopotential lattice Boltzmann method to simulate the interaction between fluids of different densities, with interface tension playing a key role. The analysis focused on two distinct wetting scenarios: hydrophobic (non-wetting) and hydrophilic (wetting) surfaces, examining the droplet dynamics during both the spreading (propagation) and recoiling phases of impact. By manipulating the bulk modulus parameter κ and the corresponding surface tension γ, we were able to explore how wettability and surface tension influence droplet behavior, including deformation and stability. The study also validated key aspects of our computational framework through reference validations such as contact angle measurements and Laplace's law. Our results provide valuable comprehension of the mixed effects of wettability and surface tension, offering a comprehensive understanding of droplet interactions on different surfaces. This work contributes to the broader knowledge of fluid dynamics and surface engineering, with implications for applications in fields such as inkjet printing, coating technologies, and material science.