Leidenfrost Mechanism: Theory and Experiments

This lecture explores the Leidenfrost mechanism, focusing on the behavior of liquid drops on hot surfaces. It covers the theory behind the phenomenon, such as the formation of vapor layers and the impact of drop size on bubbling. Experimental observations of different liquids on hot plates are discussed, highlighting the relationship between drop radius and vapor layer thickness. The presentation also delves into the mobility of levitating drops and the methods used to study their behavior. Various expressions for mass flux and heat transfer are presented, shedding light on the complex dynamics of the Leidenfrost effect.