ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9971-4497
Date of Award
Fall 12-18-2024
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Degree Type
Thesis
Abstract
Efficient heat transfer during condensation is critical for numerous industrial applications, including power generation, refrigeration, and thermal management systems. Dropwise condensation, characterized by discrete droplet formation, offers significantly higher heat transfer rates than filmwise condensation due to reduced thermal resistance and efficient droplet shedding. This study investigates the droplet dynamics and heat flux performance during dropwise condensation on three distinct surface types: hydrophilic (car paint), hydrophobic (Teflon), and lubricant-infused surfaces (LIS), at controlled temperatures of 40°C and 60°C. High-speed optical imaging and infrared thermography were employed to capture droplet growth, coalescence, and sweeping dynamics, as well as the spatial and temporal variations in heat flux. Our results reveal that surface wettability significantly influences droplet behavior and thermal performance. Hydrophilic surfaces exhibited higher droplet coverage and slower sweeping rates, resulting in reduced heat transfer due to the insulating effect of larger droplets. Conversely, LIS demonstrated superior droplet mobility and rapid surface clearing, maintaining minimal droplet coverage and higher heat transfer rates. Heat flux analysis further confirmed that LIS consistently achieved the highest heat transfer performance across all conditions, attributed to efficient droplet shedding and exposure of fresh surface area for condensation. Overall, this thesis provides critical insights into the interplay between droplet dynamics, surface properties, and thermal performance, offering a framework for designing surfaces optimized for enhanced condensation heat transfer in practical applications.
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Language
English (en)
Chair
Patricia Weisensee
Committee Members
Xianglin Li, Mark Meacham