Exploring Surface Wettability Effects on Boiling and Nucleation Phenomena
Starting in 2005, our research has delved into the critical influence of surface wettability on boiling and nucleation phenomena. After many years of experimental analysis, we sought to understand these phenomena and provide a physical interpretation. To achieve this, we employed a novel approach that integrates fluctuating hydrodynamics with the diffuse interface method, allowing us to examine the process across scales from nanometers to micrometers. Our findings reveal the significant role of surface wettability in influencing macroscopic boiling behaviors. By comparing idealized boiling on ultra-smooth surfaces with chemically heterogeneous walls, we demonstrate that even sporadic nanometric hydrophobic spots can significantly reduce the boiling onset temperature, aligning with experimental observations. This mesoscale model bridges the gap between macroscopic and molecular dynamics approaches, providing new insights and predictive capabilities for understanding and managing boiling in engineering applications. This finding challenges classical theories and offers new insights into the multiscale, non-equilibrium, stochastic nature of boiling. The implications of this research are far-reaching. It promises advancements in thermal management technologies, which are crucial for modern engineering applications such as cooling systems for quantum computers and advanced electronics.
Contact Nathanaël Machicoane for more information or to schedule a discussion with the seminar speaker.