Numerical Calculation of Apparent Contact Angles on the Hierarchical Surface with Array Microstructures by Wire...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Computational Mechanics

Background:

• Superhydrophobic surfaces are crucial for various applications, requiring precise control over wettability.
• Theoretical models are needed to guide the fabrication of these surfaces using methods like wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a numerical calculation approach for determining the contact angle of water droplets on array micropillars fabricated by WEDM.
• To investigate the influence of WEDM surface morphology and geometric dimensions on wettability.

Main Methods:

• A hierarchical model combining mechanical analysis and wettability evaluation was employed.
• Numerical calculations determined apparent contact angles based on force balance (gravity, tension, pressure).
• Temperature simulation and measurement analyzed the effect of WEDM-induced roughness on wettability.

Main Results:

• Constructed formulas successfully predicted contact angles on array micropillars.
• The study quantified the impact of geometric dimensions and surface roughness on wettability.
• Experimental verification using Al alloy samples with varied micropillar cross-profiles confirmed the numerical predictions.

Conclusions:

• The proposed theoretical prediction method is effective for understanding and improving superhydrophobic surface fabrication via WEDM.
• This research provides a valuable tool for optimizing WEDM parameters to achieve desired surface wettability.