A standing Leidenfrost drop with Sufi whirling.

When a water drop is placed on a hot solid surface, it either undergoes explosive contact boiling or exhibits a stable state. In the latter case, the drop floats over an insulating layer of vapor generated by rapid vaporization of water at the surface/drop interface; this is known as the Leidenfrost state. Here, we discuss a previously unrecognized steady state in which a water drop "stands" on a hot smooth surface. In this state, the drop stabilizes itself with partial adhesion on the hot surface, leading to unique deformation and rotation behavior reminiscent of Sufi whirling-a form of spinning dance. Our analysis of this standing Leidenfrost state reveals the underlying mechanisms that drive the drop's stable partial adhesion and subsequent deformation with rotation. The heat-transfer efficiency of this standing state is up to 390% greater than that of the traditional floating Leidenfrost state.