2026-07-072026-07-07http://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/159594A fluid droplet may exhibit self-propelled motion by modifying the wetting properties of the substrate. We propose a novel model for droplet propagation upon a terraced landscape of ordered layers formed as a result of surface freezing driven by the contact angle dependence on the terrace thickness. Simultaneous melting or freezing of the terrace edge results in a joint droplet-terrace motion. The model is tested numerically and compared to experimental observations on long-chain alkane system in the vicinity of the surface melting point.4 pages, 3 figuresFluid DynamicsChemical Physicstext