Walker S., Shapiro B.
University of Maryland, US
Keywords: 2-phase flow, control, electrowetting, micro fluidics, modeling
By applying voltages across a liquid droplet and an underlying dielectric, it is possible to make dielectric forces compete with surface tension forces, and to thereby cause the liquid droplet to change shape. This effect has been used to successfully move, mix, split, and join droplets in micro-fluidic devices. In our past research we have developed models for the equilibrium deformation of electrically actuated liquid droplet. In this paper, we present a model for the fluid dynamics that can capture the time-varying velocity fields inside the liquid and which can predict the dynamics of droplet splitting and joining. The model runs in minutes, is implemented in Matlab, and is being used to design controllers for precise control of droplet motion and droplet splitting.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2004 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: March 7, 2004
Pages: 391 - 394
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: MEMS & NEMS Devices, Modeling & Applications
ISBN: 0-9728422-8-4