Eduardo Paz Jose
Research Mentor: Solomon Adera
Mentor Department: MechE, Engineering
Author(s): Eduardo Paz Jose, Solomon Adera
Session: Session 5 (2:00 PM – 2:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 47
Abstract
Efficient condensation and removal of water droplets is important for technologies such as water harvesting, cooling systems, and thermal power generation. In these systems, performance depends on how quickly water droplets can form and grow on a surface. Traditional approaches to improving condensation often rely on nanoscale surface textures or chemical coatings. While these techniques can enhance droplet formation, they are often complex to fabricate and may not scale easily for large surfaces. Recent research has suggested an alternative approach inspired by biological systems such as the Namib desert beetle. These organisms collect water using macroscopic surface structures, particularly curved bumps, that help promote droplet formation. Studies have shown that curved surfaces can concentrate vapor diffusion at the highest point of the bump, allowing droplets to grow faster compared to flat surfaces. This geometry-based mechanism may improve condensation without requiring complex surface chemistry or nanoscale textures. In this project, millimeter-scale symmetric bumps are fabricated on thin aluminum sheets to investigate how surface curvature influences droplet condensation and growth. Experiments compare droplet size and growth rate on bumpy surfaces to those on flat control surfaces under humid conditions. By focusing on the role of surface geometry alone, this research aims to better understand how simple macroscopic designs can enhance condensation behavior and potentially improve technologies related to water harvesting and thermal management.
