Design optimization of anti-splashing targets and simulation of droplet impact on it

Abstract

Natural surfaces have micro and nanostructures that affect the splashing behavior of water droplets falling on them. Synthetic surfaces mimicking this natural phenomenon have been previously reported. The objective of our current work is to design such surfaces and fine-tune the fluid splashing behavior using three-dimensional simulation tools. We have designed and simulated splashing behavior on geometrically patterned micro scale surfaces using the volume of fluid method within the commercial software Ansys Fluent. Surfaces with microscale pillars of different heights, geometrical shapes, layouts as well as tip designs were simulated with the goal of minimizing fluid splash. We found that certain pillar models produce less splashes than others. We have further optimized array structures for fluid splashing diameter and velocity. Behavior at different falling angles and fluid types are also investigated in multi-pillar models. The results indicate that a non-uniform structured surface decreases the speed and energy of the falling droplet. We have reported here three finalized designed models that are 35%, 63.5%, and 69% effective in reducing velocity compared to a flat surface model.