Modeling the dynamics of incident droplet interaction with a biphilic surface

Abstract

Numerical simulations of droplet interaction dynamics with a biphilic surface are performed using the multi-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann method (MRT-LBM). The biphilic surface is modeled as a superhydrophilic circular region imposed within a superhydrophobic plane. The study is aimed at considering key aspects of droplet spreading upon an impact at the center of the superhydrophilic spot, droplet rebound, and formation of a residual droplet as the size of the superhydrophilic region is varied. Three characteristic interaction regimes are identified: droplet detachment, transitional regime, and droplet adhesion. Additionally, the velocity fields inside the droplet are analyzed throughout the entire interaction process.