Abstract:
Analytical and numerical modeling of some physical properties of droplet on a partially wetted solid surface in thermodynamic equilibrium is carried out. The modeling technique is based on the use of the Lennard–Jones pair interatomic potential and the continuum approximation for interacting atoms. The density functional theory in the electron gas approximation is used to calculate the potential parameters. New formulas for the potential energy of interaction of a droplet with a substrate and the work of adhesion are derived, the condition for the stability failure of a droplet is formulated. Numerical calculations are performed for the Li (droplet)–Ni (substrate) system.
Keywords:density functional theory, droplet, work of adhesion, stability, continuum approximation, pairwise interatomic interaction.