Droplet coalescence kinetics: Coalescence mechanisms and thermodynamic non-equilibrium effects under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions

Abstract

This study investigates the droplet coalescence mechanisms and the interplay between various thermodynamic non-equilibrium (TNE) effects under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions kinetically. The main findings include: (1) Coalescence initiation and cut-through mechanisms: In non-isothermal conditions, the temperature rise caused by the release of latent heat during phase transition slightly increases the surface tension gradient (driving force) near the contact point of the two droplets, while significantly enhancing the pressure gradient (resistance). This results in a significantly prolonged coalescence initiation time compared to the isothermal case. In both cases, pressure extends the liquid-vapor interface in opposite directions, promoting the growth of the liquid bridge. (2) TNE effects: Latent heat-induced temperature rise significantly refrains the TNE intensity in thermal case. Before and after droplet contact, non-equilibrium quantities driven by the temperature gradient and those driven by the velocity gradient, alternate in dominating the coalescence process. This competition and interplay result in a more complex spatial and spatiotemporal evolution of TNE effects compared to the isothermal case. (3) Entropy production mechanisms: In the non-isothermal case, entropy production is contributed not only by $\bm Δ^{\ast}_2$ but also by $\bm Δ^{\ast}_{3,1}$, with the former being the dominant contributor. The temperature field reduces the entropy production rate, while extends its duration, and increases the total entropy production. This research provides kinetic insights for dynamic, cross-scale regulation and multifunctional integration of coalescence processes in industrial applications.