Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
10:11
Temperature-Controlled Assembly and Characterization of a Droplet Interface Bilayer
Published on: April 19, 2021
4.3K
Acoustically-controlled Leidenfrost droplets
Boon T Ng1, Yew Mun Hung1, Ming K Tan1
1School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|December 8, 2015
Summary
Acoustic waves suppress the Leidenfrost effect, enhancing heat transfer. This method reduced substrate temperature by up to 45% by inducing liquid-substrate contact.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Acoustics
Background:
- The Leidenfrost effect impedes heat transfer between a heated surface and a droplet.
- Effective suppression of the Leidenfrost effect is crucial for improving thermal management systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the suppression of the Leidenfrost effect using high-frequency acoustic waves.
- To quantify the enhancement in heat transfer achieved through this acoustic method.
Main Methods:
- Generating high-frequency acoustic waves (10^5 Hz) within a droplet.
- Utilizing acoustic radiation pressure to destabilize the vapor layer.
- Inducing capillary waves at the liquid-vapor interface to promote substrate contact.
Main Results:
- Successful suppression of the Leidenfrost effect was demonstrated.
- Acoustic radiation pressure was identified as the key mechanism.
- Up to 45% reduction in initial substrate temperature (T0 ≈ 200-300°C) was achieved for a 10^-5 L droplet.
- Strong capillary waves were observed, leading to direct liquid-substrate contact.
Conclusions:
- High-frequency acoustic wave generation is an effective method for suppressing the Leidenfrost effect.
- This technique significantly enhances heat transfer by overcoming the insulating vapor layer.
- The findings offer a novel approach for thermal management applications.
