Condensed Matter Theory

Abstract:

We study the utility and validity of lattice-Boltzmann (LB) simulations to explore droplet evaporation driven by a concentration gradient. Using a binary-fluid lattice-Boltzmann algorithm based on Cahn-Hilliard dynamics, we study the evaporation of planar films and 3D sessile droplets from smooth solid surfaces. Our results show that LB simulations accurately reproduce the classical regime of quasi-static dynamics. Beyond this limit, we show that the algorithm can be used to explore regimes where the evaporative and diffusive timescales are not widely separated, and to include the effect of boundaries of prescribed driving concentration. We illustrate the method by considering the evaporation of a droplet from a solid surface that is chemically patterned with hydrophilic and hydrophobic stripes.

Abstract:

Drops impacting superhydrophobic surfaces normally spread, retract, and leave the surface in an approximately spherical shape, with little loss of energy. Recently, however, it was shown that drops can leave the substrate before retracting while still in an extended pancake-like form. We use mesoscale simulations and theoretical arguments, compared to experimental data, to show that such "pancake bouncing" occurs when impacting fluid that enters the surface is slowed and then expelled by capillary forces. For the drop to bounce as a pancake, two criteria must be satisfied: the fluid must return to the surface at the appropriate time, and it must do so with sufficient kinetic energy to lift the drop. We argue that this will occur for superhydrophobic surfaces with topological features having dimensions of ∼200 μm, larger than those normally considered. The contact time of pancake bouncing events is reduced by up to 5-fold compared to that of conventional bouncing, suggesting relevance to drop shedding and anti-icing applications.

Abstract:

We describe a numerical investigation of a continuum model of an active nematic, concentrating on the regime of active turbulence. Results are presented for the effect of three parameters, activity, elastic constant and rotational diffusion constant, on the order parameter and flow fields. Defects and distortions in the director field act as sources of vorticity, and thus vorticity is strongly correlated to the director field. In particular, the characteristic length of decay of vorticity and order parameter correlations is controlled by the defect density. By contrast, the decay of velocity correlations is determined by a balance between activity and dissipation. We highlight the role of microscopic flow generation mechanisms in determining the flow patterns and characteristic scales of active turbulence and contrast the behaviour of extensile and contractile active nematics.