Validation of Contact Angle Modeling on a Controlled Droplet Configuration

Supercooled large (2 mm) droplets pose aviation risks and neglecting crucial characteristics yields inaccuracies. Thus, this model aims to simulate the droplet contact angles at various stages of the dynamic impact on solid surfaces, through a boundary needle inlet pushing fluid into the droplet using a specific mass flow rate, accurately predicting the spreading behavior at high altitudes, low temperatures, and high speeds. Through the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method the air-water interface was tracked and Navier-Stokes equations included. The surface roughness was modeled using contact angles applied as boundary conditions within a modified Blended-Kistler (BK) model. The capability of the BK model to accurately reproduce advancing (ACA), receding (RCA), and equilibrium contact angles (ECA) is thoroughly assessed. The model's predictions are verified against the mentioned simpler, controlled needle test, and ultimately validated through comparison with experimental data to confirm the accuracy of the reproduced ACAs, RCAs, and ECAs. The droplet behavior gives useful insight and better understanding of how the ACA, RCA, and ECAs drive the model. This research accurately captures advancing and receding droplet behaviors thus providing insights for designing ice-phobic technology.