Numerical simulation of droplet formation in a T-shape microchannel using two-phase level-set method

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Master of science student, Faculty of mechanical engineering, Urmia University of Technology, Urmia, Iran

2 Faculty of mechanical engineering, Urmia University of Technology, Urmia, Iran

3 Associated Professor, Faculty of mechanical engineering, Urmia University of Technology, Urmia, Iran

Abstract

In this study, a two-dimensional numerical simulation using the two-phase level set method has been carried out to investigate the influence of continuous phase entrance flow rate on the microdroplets generation process. Analysis of the breakup process of microdroplets in immiscible liquid/liquid two-phase flow in T-junction microchannel was predicted. Governing equations on the flow field have been discretized and solved using the finite element method. Obtained numerical results were validated by comparing the experimental data reported in the literature which show acceptable agreement. Results show that the continuous phase entrance flow rate has a major effect on the size of generated droplets. Studies have shown that the pressure diagram of the junction point can reflect the number of formed droplets and the triple stages of droplet formation. Also, examinations of the pressure and velocity gradient inside the main channel show that the pressure difference of the droplet’s tip and rear and shear force caused by viscosity dominates the droplet formation which the pressure difference between two sides of droplet is more effective. Finally, it could be concluded that by increasing the inlet flow rate of the continuous phase, the needed force for overcoming the surface tension increases and more droplets with small sizes are generated in a short time.

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References

 
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Amirkabir Journal of Mechanical Engineering
Volume 53, Issue 3 (Special Issue)
June 2021
Pages 1815-1838

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