On computer simulation of droplet spreading

After a short discussion of the main experimental results on the macroscopic and nanosized droplet spreading, a critical review is presented for the publications on the computer simulation of the droplet spreading. As follows from the review, history of investigations in this field of surface science began in 1990s. Special emphasis is placed on articles published during the last 5 years, particularly, in 2010.Some recent advancesIt seems that there have seen no significant advances in the course of 2010 into computer simulation of the droplet spreading. At the same time, an attempt to compare computer simulation results with theoretical results for the macroscopic spreading is, no doubt, of interest. It is also of interest that in 2010 the droplet spreading in a liquid medium was simulated, and the wetted area followed the diffusive law.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (343 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► We have reviewed research papers on the computer simulation of the droplet spreading. ► We have found that 2010 can be treated as the 20 years anniversary of molecular dynamics of spreading. ► Many interesting results concerning the nanodroplet spreading are revealed and discussed. ► However, some tries to compare the nanoscale level results with the macroscopic data are not correct.