Lattice Boltzmann Modeling of a Sessile and a Body Force-Driven Sliding Droplet over a Grooved Surface

Abstract

This work presents the numerical modeling of a droplet’s sessile and dynamic behavior on a grooved surface. A droplet is placed on horizontal and vertical sliding conditions to observe its behavior under wettable and non-wettable conditions. The numerical analysis uses the multicomponent multiphase Shan-Chen Lattice Boltzmann Model (SC-LBM). The Cassie–Baxter and Wenzel states are reproduced for the sessile condition, and the enhancement of the contact angle is appreciated under the action of the grooved-ridged horizontal surface. The sliding droplet is analyzed through the Bond number by varying the ratio between the body force and the surface tension number. For Cassie–Baxter and Wenzel wettability conditions, a critical Bond number was discovered above which the sliding droplet will continue to deform indefinitely. The numerical model proved its suitability to predict the gradual deformation of a droplet over a grooved vertical surface subject to a tangential body force until the droplet eventually reaches a sessile condition or a breakup.