Abstract:
Starting in 2005, our research has delved into the critical influence of surface wettability on boiling and nucleation phenomena. After many years of experimental analysis, we sought to understand these phenomena and provide a physical interpretation. To achieve this, we employed a novel approach that integrates fluctuating hydrodynamics with the diffuse interface method, allowing us to examine the process across scales from nanometers to micrometers. Our findings reveal the significant role of surface wettability in influencing macroscopic boiling behaviors. By comparing idealized boiling on ultra-smooth surfaces with chemically heterogeneous walls, we demonstrate that even sporadic nanometric hydrophobic spots can significantly reduce the boiling onset temperature, aligning with experimental observations. This mesoscale model bridges the gap between macroscopic and molecular dynamics approaches, providing new insights and predictive capabilities for understanding and managing boiling in engineering applications. This finding challenges classical theories and offers new insights into the multiscale, non-equilibrium, stochastic nature of boiling. The implications of this research are far-reaching. It promises advancements in thermal management technologies, which are crucial for modern engineering applications such as cooling systems for quantum computers and advanced electronics.
CV:
Prof. Marco Marengo is a Full Professor in Thermal Physics and Engineering at the University of Pavia, Italy, and currently serves as the International President of the Institute for Liquid Atomization and Spray Systems (ILASS), where he has previously chaired several European and global conferences. He holds a Ph.D. in Energy Systems from the Polytechnic of Milan and an M.Sc. in Physics with a specialization in Cosmology from the University of Torino. Prof. Marengo’s research focuses on droplets and sprays, microfluidics, boiling, surface wettability, and advanced heat pipe technologies (including pulsating and hybrid heat pipes) for space, energy, and thermal management applications. His scientific contributions include over 350 publications, with more than 120 peer-reviewed journal papers, 6 book chapters, and several international patents. He has played a leading role in advancing the understanding of boiling and phase-change dynamics through mesoscale modeling and in conducting key experiments for the European Space Agency’s “Pulsating Heat Pipe” on the International Space Station. He has also served as Editor-in-Chief of the international journal Atomization and Sprays and is currently an Associate Editor for International Journal of Multiphase Flow (Elsevier) and Energies (MDPI), as well as a member of multiple editorial boards in the field of thermal sciences. Prof. Marengo has held leadership positions such as Director of the Advanced Engineering Centre at the University of Brighton (UK) and has delivered over 30 invited and plenary lectures worldwide. His ongoing work continues to bridge experimental, numerical, and applied research in two-phase heat transfer, spray systems, and energy-efficient technologies for aerospace and sustainable engineering.