Session EG: Drops III
4:10 PM–6:20 PM, Sunday, November 23, 2008
Room: 101A
Chair: Marc K. Smith, Georgia Institute of Technology
Abstract ID: BAPS.2008.DFD.EG.5
Abstract: EG.00005 : Rapid Drop Dynamics During Superhydrophobic Condensation
5:02 PM–5:15 PM
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Abstract 
Authors:
Xiaodong Zhang
(Duke University, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science)
Jonathan Boreyko
(Duke University, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science)
Chuan-Hua Chen
(Duke University, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science)
Rapid drop motion is observed on superhydrophobic surfaces during condensation; condensate drops with diameter of order 10~$\mu $m can move at above 100G and 0.1 m/s. When water vapor condenses on a horizontal superhydrophobic surface, condensate drops move in a seemingly random direction. The observed motion is attributed to the energy released through coalescence of neighboring condensate drops. A scaling analysis captured the initial acceleration and terminal velocity. Our work is a step forward in understanding the dynamics of superhydrophobic condensation occurring in both natural water-repellant plants and engineered dropwise condensers.
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2008.DFD.EG.5