Modelling and Simulation of Droplet Evaporation on Engineered Porous Surfaces
摘要
This study investigates the evaporation of sessile droplets on engineered porous surfaces, focusing on the effects of surface wettability, droplet volume, and environmental factors such as relative humidity and temperature. A mathematical model for droplet evaporation on porous surfaces was developed and simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics® 5.6 software, while experimental validation was conducted to verify the model's accuracy. In the experimental phase, a porous copper surface was fabricated, and water droplet evaporation was observed under controlled conditions. The prepared surfaces were characterized based on porosity. Results indicate that contact angle, as a measure of surface wettability, plays a critical role in determining evaporation mode and rate. High contact angle droplet exhibited lower heat flux and slower evaporation rates, attributed to the reduced contact area and increased vapor diffusion resistance. Additionally, higher relative humidity levels significantly decreased evaporation rates, particularly for droplets with larger contact angles. The study also identified a direct relationship between droplet volume and total heat flux, emphasizing the importance of surface area in water desalination applications.