This item is under embargo and not available online per the author's request. For access information, please visit http://digital.wustl.edu/publish/etd-search.html.

Abstract

Condensation plays an important role in a wide range of engineering applications, such as power generation, refrigeration, and thermal management. The condensation mode may occur as dropwise condensation (DWC), filmwise condensation (FWC), or Marangoni condensation (MC). Marangoni condensation, also referred to as pseudo-dropwise condensation (p-DWC), visually resembles classical DWC but is maintained by Marangoni-induced surface tension gradients rather than by surface wettability. In this study, condensation experiments were performed on several liquid mixtures over a range of compositions. The condensation behavior of each mixture was evaluated and classified as either pseudo-dropwise or filmwise condensation. The results demonstrate that condensation behavior varies among different mixtures and compositions, with some systems exhibiting stable dropwise condensation while others remained filmwise. The data so far has been non-intuitive and future research is required to better understand the factors governing condensation mode.

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

Language

English (en)

Date of Submission

7-31-2026

Available for download on Monday, July 30, 2029

Share

COinS