Electrohydrodynamic analysis of bubble burst in large Leidenfrost droplets

A thin vapor gap forms underneath a liquid drop on a sufficiently hot surface, which prevents solid–liquid contact (the Leidenfrost effect). This vapor gap can be partly eliminated by applying an electrical potential difference across the vapor gap to electrostatically suppress the Leidenfrost state. An interesting hydrodynamics-related phenomenon that can occur in Leidenfrost droplets is the formation of a vapor dome and subsequent bubble burst at the center of the droplet. This work reports a comprehensive study of vapor dome formation and bubble burst in large Leidenfrost droplets under the influence of an electric field. First, a detailed numerical model (non-linear thin film lubrication equation) is developed to analyze the evolution of the vapor dome and bubble burst. Second, a simplified stability analysis is conducted to analytically estimate the critical droplet diameter (for bubble burst) under the influence of an electric field. Third, experiments are conducted to measure the critical diameter of Leidenfrost droplets for bubble burst under the influence of electric fields. The results from the numerical modeling and stability analysis show very good agreement with experimental measurements. The critical diameter for bubble burst and the time period between consecutive vapor bursts reduce with the applied electric field. Comparisons are made between the presently studied vapor burst and film boiling; similarity in the underlying hydrodynamic phenomena results in the length and time scales for bubble burst being similar to those encountered in film boiling.