Improvement and further investigation on Hoffman-function-based dynamic contact angle model

Abstract Dynamic contact angle (DCA) plays a critical role in the numerical investigation of gas-liquid two-phase flow problem in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In our previous study, an advancing-receding DCA (AR-DCA) model was developed based on Hoffman function and has been successfully validated. This study aims to further modify the contact line velocity evaluation method in the AR-DCA model and an improved-AR-DCA (i-AR-DCA) model is proposed. The simulations of droplet impact on inclined surface and liquid water behaviors in microchannel are conducted based on these two models and the results show that the improved methodology has no significant effects on general droplet spreading process on inclined surface; whereas it can facilitate the liquid water detachment in the microchannel. In addition, the Hoffman function is modified into three different forms based on the original experimental data points in order to test the sensitivity of different formulae on the numerical results. It is indicated that the modified forms of Hoffman function can induce notable changes in the liquid water slug elongation in the microchannel.