The Role of Liquid Properties on Lifetime of Levitated Droplets

It is known that the temperature difference between a droplet and a liquid surface can extend the levitation time of that droplet by providing a thin air film between the surface and the droplet. However, the effect of fluid properties, liquid surface velocity, and air film thickness on the lifetime of droplets is still not well understood. Also, there is inconsistency in the literature about the role of vapor pressure in noncoalescence. Here we test a variety of liquids including silicone oil, Fluorinert, and water to understand the effect of surface tension, density ratio, viscosity, and heat capacity on the lifetime of a droplet. Droplets with larger heat capacity and vapor pressure like water remain floating for a longer time compared to oils. Similarly, higher surface velocity, which is seen in low viscous liquids, helps the air to replenish into the interstices beneath droplet and delay the drainage process. We also discuss the air film variation with temperature manipulation, and propose a correlation for the minimum thickness required to balance the droplet weight.