Numerical Simulation of Electrostatic Charging Droplets in Microfluidic Devices

S. Yao[1], H. Zhou[1]
[1]HKUST, Hong Kong, China
Published in 2014

In this paper, the mechanism of charging process was simulated and analyzed. The simulation was conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics® software, based on the laminar two-phase flow level-set interface coupling with the electrostatic interface. Meanwhile, different parameters (such as the droplet size and surfactant) were numerical studied. Based on the simulation results, a more efficient charging design was proposed. Finally, microfluidic devices were developed using standard microfabrication technology, and the induced charge in a droplet was characterized in the devices. The experimental results agreed well with the simulation.

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