Numerical model for sessile drop evaporation on heated substrate under microgravity

Although sessile drops have simple geometries, the physics involved in their evaporation process is com-plex owing to their numerous intricate interactions and their fluid nature. An accurate quantitative model of the evaporation process will enable increased understanding and control over the process. In this study, a numerical model is developed for sessile drop evaporation on a heated substrate under microgravity based on the results of rocket and parabolic experiments to understand the 'internal dynamics of a ses-sile drop. The model is quantitatively validated through experiments. Subsequently, a correlation between substrate temperature and evaporation rate is suggested for an ethanol sessile drop. The flow motion is analyzed by conducting three-dimensional resolved computations of an evaporating sessile drop. This provides insights into the Marangoni effect in the dynamics of the evaporation process and the occur-rence of secondary instabilities. For the first time, the fine effects of secondary instabilities on the evap-oration rate are captured. Our numerical model is valid in the absence of convection in the vapor phase, producing an interface of an evaporating drop in a fully saturated vapor, which typically exists under microgravity conditions. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A numerical model is developed and validated to understand the evaporation process of sessile drops. The study reveals a correlation between substrate temperature and evaporation rate, and analyzes the flow motion to investigate the effects of the Marangoni effect and secondary instabilities on the evaporation rate.