A parametric study of droplet deformation through a microfluidic contraction: Low viscosity Newtonian droplets

Numerical simulations are conducted to investigate how a droplet of Newtonian liquid, entrained in a higher viscosity Newtonian liquid, behaves when passing through an axisymmetric microfluidic contraction. Simulations are performed using a transient Volume of Fluid finite volume algorithm, and cove...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemical engineering science 2006-08, Vol.61 (15), p.5149-5158
Main Authors: Harvie, D.J.E., Davidson, M.R., Cooper-White, J.J., Rudman, M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Chemical engineering
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
Contraction
Droplet
Exact sciences and technology
Microfluidics
Volume of fluid (VOF)
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Summary:Numerical simulations are conducted to investigate how a droplet of Newtonian liquid, entrained in a higher viscosity Newtonian liquid, behaves when passing through an axisymmetric microfluidic contraction. Simulations are performed using a transient Volume of Fluid finite volume algorithm, and cover ranges of Reynolds and Weber numbers relevant to microfluidic flows. Results are presented for a droplet to surrounding fluid viscosity ratio of 0.001 . In contrast to behaviour at higher viscosity ratios obtained previously by the authors, shear and interfacial tension driven instabilities often develop along the droplet surface, leading to complex shape development, and in some instances, droplet breakup.
ISSN:0009-2509
1873-4405
DOI:10.1016/j.ces.2006.03.011