Three dimensional aspects of droplet coalescence during dropwise condensation on superhydrophobic surfaces

Abstract

We report formation of nano-to-microscale satellite droplets in the geometrical shadow of high contact angle primary drops during dropwise water condensation on a nanostructured superhydrophobic surface (SHS). The primary drops contribute to the heat transfer process by sweeping up satellite droplets without covering their nucleation site and thus allow for rapid condensation of multiple droplets from the same site.