Dissipation in rapid dynamic wetting

• Published in: Journal of fluid mechanics Vol. 682; pp. 213 - 240
• Main Authors: CARLSON, A., DO-QUANG, M., AMBERG, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 10.09.2011
• Subjects: Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; contact lines; Dissipation; Droplets; drops; Drops and bubbles; Dynamics; Equilibrium; Exact sciences and technology; Field theory; Fluid dynamics; Fluid mechanics; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); interfacial flows (free surface); Kinetic energy; Liquids; Nonhomogeneous flows; Phase transitions; Physics; Solid-fluid interfaces; Spreading; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Wetting; drops; contact lines; interfacial flows (free surface); Geometrical shape; Dynamic contact angle; Wetting; Spreading; Digital simulation; Drops; Boundary conditions; Modelling; Velocity distribution; Contact line
• ISSN: 0022-1120; 1469-7645; 1469-7645
• DOI: 10.1017/jfm.2011.211

In this article, we present a modelling approach for rapid dynamic wetting based on the phase field theory. We show that in order to model this accurately, it is important to allow for a non-equilibrium wetting boundary condition. Using a condition of this type, we obtain a direct match with experimental results reported in the literature for rapid spreading of liquid droplets on dry surfaces. By extracting the dissipation of energy and the rate of change of kinetic energy in the flow simulation, we identify a new wetting regime during the rapid phase of spreading. This is characterized by the main dissipation to be due to a re-organization of molecules at the contact line, in a diffusive or active process. This regime serves as an addition to the other wetting regimes that have previously been reported in the literature.