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In this study, a theoretical model was established for predicting the equilibrium shape of the droplet on flat and spherical surfaces. The theoretical equilibrium shape of heavy droplets could be obtained once contact angle and volume of droplets were given. It showed that the predictions of the theoretical flat model were in good agreement with the shape obtained by Surface Evolver when the contact angle is below 120° and the droplet size is on the order of capillary length. This available range will decrease and increase when the heavy droplet is on convex and concave spherical surface, respectively, in contrast to that on flat surface. The available range will decrease more for higher curvature of convex spherical surfaces.
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Wang, X., Yu, Y. Analysis of the shape of heavy droplets on flat and spherical surface. Sci. China Phys. Mech. Astron. 55, 1118–1124 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11433-012-4750-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11433-012-4750-5