Exact Solution of the Problem of Vapor Flow in a Gap between an Evaporating Droplet of Liquid and a Hot Wall

Vapor flow in a gap between a liquid droplet and a hot wall caused by evaporation of liquid is considered. It is assumed that the wall temperature is higher than the minimum film boiling temperature, and there is no direct contact with liquid. In particular, the problem of such a flow arises in modeling post-dryout heat transfer, when droplets from a vapor–liquid flow fall onto the heated surface and partially evaporate on it, making a significant contribution to heat transfer. Within the framework of the problem under consideration, the gap between the droplet and the wall is assumed to be plane, and the vapor flow to be laminar and axisymmetric. An exact solution to the corresponding hydrodynamic problem is given.