Droplet in micro-channels: A numerical approach using an adaptive two phase flow solver

TL;DR

This paper introduces a numerical method using an open-source two-phase flow solver to analyze bubble dynamics in microchannels, focusing on shape, velocity, and wall interactions, validated against theory and experiments.

Contribution

It presents a novel numerical approach with adaptive meshing for simulating droplet behavior in microfluidic channels, including technical insights and potential force extensions.

Findings

Validated against theoretical and experimental data

Demonstrated effectiveness of the adaptive solver at small Capillary numbers

Discussed technical challenges and potential force modeling enhancements

Abstract

We propose a numerical approach to study the mechanics of a flowing bubble in a constraint micro channel. Using an open source two phase flow solver (Gerris, gfs.sourceforge.net) we compute solutions of the bubble dynamics (i.e. shape and terminal velocity) induced by the interaction between the bubble movement, the Laplace pressure variation, and the lubrication film near the channel wall. Quantitative and qualitative results are presented and compared against both theory and experimental data for small Capillary numbers. We discuss the technical issues of explicit integration methods on small Capillary numbers computations, and the possibility of adding Van der Walls forces to give a more precise picture of the Droplet-based microfluidic problem.