Three-dimensional equilibrium shapes of drops on hysteretic surfaces

In this paper, we study equilibrium three-dimensional shapes of drops on hysteretic surfaces. We develop a function coupled with the publicly available surface energy minimization code Surface Evolver to handle contact angle hysteresis. The function incorporates a model for the mobility of the triple line into Surface Evolver. The only inputs to the model are the advancing and receding contact angles of the surface. We demonstrate this model's versatility by studying three problems in which parts of the triple line advance while other parts either recede or remain stationary. The first problem focuses on the three-dimensional shape of a static pendant drop on a vertical surface. We predict the finite drop volume when impending sliding motion is observed. In the second problem, we examine the equilibrium shapes of coalescing sessile drops on hysteretic surfaces. Finally, we study coalescing puddles in which gravity plays a leading role in determining the equilibrium puddle shape along with hysteresis. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.