Numerical Simulation of Electroosmotic Flow in Micro Channels with Analytical Integration of Surface Potential

Zhijian Chen, Mahesh Athavale, Andrzej Przekwas
CFD Research Corporation, US

Keywords: Electroosmotic Flow, Surface Potential, MEMS

Abstract:
We have developed a new methodology to simulate electroosmotic flows in micro channels, which allows us to accurately produce the effects of the double layer without resolving it. The method is a subgrid type model that allows computational cells much larger than the double layer near the wall. This approach thus fully accounts for double-layer physics, which allows its use on simple as well as complex geometries (e.g. T-junction, X-junction) where the alternative approach of slip-wall velocities can face difficulties.

NSTI Nanotech 2003 Conference Technical Program Abstract