A three-dimensional level set method for droplet sorting using a non-uniform electric field

Journal article


Naz, N. and Sui, Y. 2023. A three-dimensional level set method for droplet sorting using a non-uniform electric field. Physics of Fluids. 35 (8). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0160683
AuthorsNaz, N. and Sui, Y.
AbstractIn this research, we have developed a computational method for droplet sorting using a non-uniform electric field. The method is based on a three-dimensional level-set method and the leaky-dielectric electrohydrodynamics (EHD) model. Level-set method is used for modeling the interface of the two-phase flow system. The electrostatic phenomenon is dealt with the leaky dielectric-leaky dielectric fluid system. At first, we validated our developed model for a classical flow case: a droplet subjected to a uniform electric field. The results obtained from the present computational method show good agreement with the existing results from the literature. After validation, we implemented the developed code in a practical application of droplet sorting using a non-uniform electric field (known as dielectrophoresis) in a rectangular microchannel with an orthogonal side channel. We mainly focus on the sorting of the droplet without and with the electric field effect as a function of different parameters of the problem. Depending on the intensity of the physical parameters, the droplet can flow into either the downstream main channel or it can sort into the orthogonal side branch. The sorting of a droplet is characterized by the critical branch ratio, qc above which the droplet enters the side branch. The results and conclusions from the present thesis facilitate the understanding of the fundamental principles and mechanisms of electrohydrodynamics (EHD)-based droplet sorting using dielectrophoresis in microfluidic channels. Therefore, present results can have potential usefulness toward the design and development of droplet-based microfluidic devices.
KeywordsCondensed Matter Physics; Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes; Mechanics of Materials; Computational Mechanics; Mechanical Engineering
Year2023
JournalPhysics of Fluids
Journal citation35 (8)
PublisherAIP Publishing
ISSN1070-6631
1089-7666
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0160683
Official URLhttps://pubs.aip.org/aip/pof/article-abstract/35/8/082103/2905643/A-three-dimensional-level-set-method-for-droplet?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Publication dates
Online04 Aug 2023
Print01 Aug 2023
Publication process dates
Accepted20 Jul 2023
Deposited27 Jul 2023
Accepted author manuscript
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Open
Output statusPublished
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