Research Projects

The concept of the "Phoenix Droplet" emerged from the intriguing observation of self-rewetting fluids, a class of liquids that exhibit the remarkable ability to spontaneously rewet surfaces. This phenomenon is driven by complex interplay between surface tension, viscosity, and interfacial forces. Our research focuses on a specific aspect of self-rewetting dynamics: the behavior of a freely falling self-rewetting droplet in a hot air environment. This scenario introduces additional complexities, such as Marangoni flows, thermal gradients, and evaporation, which can significantly influence the droplet's shape, trajectory, and breakup. By delving into these intricate dynamics, we aim to: 1. Unravel the underlying physics: Understand the fundamental mechanisms governing the self-rewetting behavior and its interaction with thermal effects. 2. Explore the impact of Marangoni flows: Investigate how Marangoni flows induced by temperature gradients affect the droplet's shape, stability, and breakup. 3. Quantify heat and mass transfer: Analyze the rate of heat and mass transfer between the droplet and the surrounding hot air, and its influence on the droplet's evolution. 4. Develop advanced numerical models: Create accurate computational models to simulate the complex dynamics of self-rewetting droplets in various environments. Through this research, we hope to contribute to the advancement of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and materials science, potentially leading to innovative applications in fields such as microfluidics, inkjet printing, and thermal management.