Specialists from Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) and the Institute of Thermophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences have created an algorithm that can predict the sliding distance of water droplets when they hit inclined hydrophobic surfaces. The development will help improve anti-icing coatings for aviation, wind generators, and high-speed trains.
Various surface texturing patterns have been developed to achieve superhydrophobic properties. Correct characterization of the properties and parameters of surfaces and its interpretation during joint fruitful discussions played an important role in the development of the fluid flow model.
Icing is a serious problem for aviation: ice on the wings impairs aerodynamics and increases operational risks. The new algorithm takes into account the penetration of liquid into surface irregularities and accurately predicts the maximum spreading diameter of a droplet with an error of only 10-20%. This model is important for creating self-cleaning and anti-icing coatings in aircraft construction, energy, and transport.
Currently, researchers are creating a physical and mathematical model that will be able to take into account even more parameters affecting the prediction of the behavior of liquid particles, bringing conditions closer to real ones. For example, the collision speed of water droplets with a surface that does not allow water to pass through was increased to 20 m/s. This was made possible by the use of a developed open-type aerodynamic tube. It allows simulating real situations of droplet collisions with functional structures of aircraft and wind generators.
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