Lattice Boltzmann simulations in microfluidics: probing the no-slip boundary condition in hydrophobic, rough, and surface nanobubble laden microchannels

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent lattice Boltzmann simulation studies on boundary slip effects in microfluidic channels with hydrophobic, rough, and nanobubble-covered surfaces, highlighting the method's versatility in fundamental microfluidics research.

Contribution

It demonstrates the application of lattice Boltzmann simulations to investigate boundary slip phenomena in complex microchannel surfaces, addressing fundamental questions in microfluidics.

Findings

Boundary slip varies with surface properties and nanobubbles.

Lattice Boltzmann method effectively models slip in complex microchannels.

Insights into flow behavior over hydrophobic and rough surfaces.

Abstract

In this contribution we review recent efforts on investigations of the effect of (apparent) boundary slip by utilizing lattice Boltzmann simulations. We demonstrate the applicability of the method to treat fundamental questions in microfluidics by investigating fluid flow in hydrophobic and rough microchannels as well as over surfaces covered by nano- or microscale gas bubbles.