The aim of the present study is to develop a model to predict the outcome of a molten ash particle impacting a heat-transfer surface. The main driving force for a splat at maximum spread state to recoil is the difference in surface energies of the splat and its equilibrium sessile drop state. If the difference in surface energies is significant, a vigorous recoiling then leads to rebounding. During the travel from splat to equilibrium state, the viscous dissipation in the rim opposes the recoiling process. By overcoming the dissipation loss, the splat reaches sessile drop state. If the drop possesses energy greater than the adhesion energy, it will detach itself from the surface; otherwise, it will deposit. A bouncing potential model based on this concept is derived and compared with models and experimental data in literature. © 2015, Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.