Micro-droplet cluster dynamics in a heated layer of liquid at dry spots formation

Abstract

Organization of a cloud of micro-droplets of condensate into an ordered hexagonal structure levitating over a heated layer of liquid (the so called micro-droplet cluster) has been observed in several recent experimental works, however the nature of this phenomenon is still not completely understood. In the present paper the micro-droplet cluster is studied on a test section with relatively large heating area, under the condition when the liquid layer ruptures and dry spots form on the heater. It has been found, that the micro-droplets can levitate not only over the heated liquid surface, but also over a dry surface of the heater, following the rupture of the liquid layer. The micro-droplets can move over the dry surface as far as 3 mm away from the contact line, and can exist for up to 3.5 seconds after the rupture.