A molecular dynamics study of bubble nucleation on grooved surfaces: Effects of wettability and heat flux

Abstract Bubble nucleation plays a crucial role in boiling heat transfer and other applications. Traditional experiments struggle to capture its microscopic mechanisms, making molecular dynamics simulations a powerful tool for such studies. This work uses molecular dynamics simulations to investigate bubble nucleation of water on copper surfaces with sinusoidal groove roughness under varying heat flux and surface wettability. Results show that at the same wettability, higher heat flux leads to higher surface temperatures after the same heating time, promoting bubble nucleation, growth, and departure. Moreover, under constant heat flux, stronger surface hydrophilicity enhances heat transfer from the solid to the liquid, further accelerating the nucleation. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanism of bubble nucleation and offers theoretical guidance for enhancing heat transfer.