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Abstract

This project studied condensation on a lubricant-infused surface, a hydrophobic surface, a hydrophilic surface, and a superhydrophobic surface, during which the temperature gradient and movements of droplets were recorded. Dropwise condensation behaves differently across samples with different types of coating. On a hydrophilic surface, droplets have a tendency to coalesce and wet the surface. A water film will form as condensation equilibrates. Hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces tend not to be wetted by droplets, which stay distinct during condensation. On lubricant-infused surfaces, the high droplet mobility on the lubricant helps the droplets to retain their circular shape and promote long-term stable dropwise condensation. With the mobility and temperature distribution across condensation captured by the infrared (IR) camera, the heat rate across these types of surfaces can be estimated.

Document Type

Final Report

Author's School

McKelvey School of Engineering

Author's Department

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Class Name

Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences Independent Study

Date of Submission

12-15-2022

Available for download on Sunday, December 14, 2025

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