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

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.