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Geometry of the vapor layer under a Leidenfrost hydrogel sphere

Vicente L. Diaz-Melian1, Isaac C. D. Lenton1, Jack Binysh2,*, Anton Souslov3, and Scott R. Waitukaitis1,†

  • *Present address: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT Birmingham, United Kingdom.
  • †Contact author: Scott.Waitukaitis@ist.ac.at
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Phys. Rev. E 113, L053502 – Published 14 May, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/m7gr-2t6j

Abstract

A floating Leidenfrost droplet exhibits curvature inversion of its underside, due to the balance of vapor pressure and surface tension. Using interferometric imaging, we find different behavior for a levitated hydrogel sphere. Curvature inversion is observed briefly just after deposition, but quickly gives way to a steady state with no inversion. We show the essential role of vaporization in shaping the underbelly of the hydrogel, where changes due to direct mass loss are more significant than the balance of vapor pressure and elastic forces.

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Phys. Rev. E 113, L053502– Published 14 May, 2026
  • Received 9 July 2025
  • Accepted 13 March 2026
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