Simulating Microdro‎plet Formation with Finite Element Software

10/8/2025 12:00:00 AM

In this research, numerical simulations of Janus dro‎plet generation in a Y-shaped microchannel were carried out using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method in ANSYS Fluent. The main objective was to investigate multiphase flow behavior an‎d analyze the effects of influential parameters such as flow rate ratio, Capillary number, an‎d Weber number on the formation an‎d stability of dro‎plets. For this purpose, different fluids, including polycaprolactone, silicone oil, an‎d PVA solution, were modeled as the dispersed an‎d continuous phases. The results demonstrated that increasing the Capillary number leads to a flow regime transition from dripping to jetting. Furthermore, analysis of the pressure field an‎d governing forces revealed that surface tension an‎d shear forces play dominant roles in dro‎plet formation an‎d breakup. Model validation with existing experimental data showed good agreement, with less than 7% deviation in dro‎plet size, while the prediction of flow regimes was reported with full accuracy. Ultimately, the outcomes of this study can contribute to the optimal design of microchannels for applications such as targeted drug delivery an‎d controlled release systems.

ميكروسيالات , قطرات جانوس , فاز پراكنده , فازپيوسته , عدد كاپيلاري , رژيم جرياني

Microfluidics , Janus dro‎plet , Dispersed Phase , Continues Phase , Capillary Number , Flow Regimes

Danial Shokooh Sarnavazi

Dr. Sasan Asiaei