Lattice Boltzmann simulation of electrowetting-on-dielectric in a rough-wall channel

TL;DR

This paper presents a lattice Boltzmann model for simulating electrowetting-on-dielectric in rough-wall channels, revealing how electric fields influence droplet behavior and flow flux, with implications for microfluidic device design.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel lattice Boltzmann simulation approach for EWOD in rough channels, demonstrating electric field effects on droplet contact angle and flow dynamics.

Findings

Narrow channels are more sensitive to electric fields.

Flow flux decreases with increasing electric field.

Flow flux can suddenly increase at high electric fields.

Abstract

A lattice Boltzmann model was proposed to simulate electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD). The insulative vapor and the electrolyte liquid droplet were simulated by the lattice Boltzmann method respectively, and the linear property between cosine of contact angle and the electric field force confirms the reliability of this model. In the simulation of electrolyte flowing in a rough-wall channel under an external electric field, we found that a narrow channel is more sensitive than a broad channel and the flux decreases monotonously as the electric field increase, but may suddenly increase if the electric field is strong enough.