Molecular dynamics simulation of vaporization of an ultra-thin liquid argon layer on a surface
Yi P, Poulikakos D, Walther J, Yadigaroglu G, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER, 45, 10, 2087-2100, 2002
ABSTRACT
We performed molecular dynamics simulations of the vaporization phenomenon of an ultra-thin layer (2 nm) of liquid argon on a platinum surface. The simulation started from a molecular system of three phases (liquid argon, solid platinum and argon vapor) in equilibrium at 110 K. The platinum wall was then suddenly heated to a higher temperature (a moderately higher temperature of 150 K and a much higher temperature of 300 K were investigated). Features of our simulation model include a fast algorithm based on a tree data structure and a constant temperature solid wall model based on a 3-D Langevin equation. The entire vaporization process was successfully simulated. The results reveal trends that agree with our knowledge of vaporization of a similar macroscopic system. For example, for the high surface temperature the vaporization process is reminiscent of the Leidenfrost phenomenon and after the formation of a vapor region between the surface and the liquid mass, the latter deforms and tends to approximately acquire a spherical “droplet” shape, as one would have expected from macroscopic considerations. Contrary to this, a gradual evaporation process occurs at moderate wall temperatures. After complete evaporation and upon reduction of the wall temperature, condensation takes place leading to reconstruction of the initial liquid layer. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.