Some Problems in Simulation of the Thermodynamic Properties of Droplets

Abstract

In this paper, the Gibbs dividing surface method is used to derive a formula to determine curvature-dependent surface tension in a system with two phases. The well-known Tolman formula is a special case of this formula. The problem of a sessile droplet is considered. The Bashforth–Adams equation analogue (in view of curvature-dependent surface tension) is obtained, and the numerical solution of the equation is carried out. It is shown that if the droplet size is not very large relative to the thickness of the surface layer (micro- or nanodroplets), the dependence of the surface tension on the curvature is very important. In addition, the case is considered where the diameters of cylindrical nanodroplets are shorter than the Tolman length.