Numerical studies on micropart self-alignment using surface tension forces

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• 作者：Cheng Lin ; Fangang Tseng ; Heng-Chuan Kan and Ching-Chang Chieng
• 关键词：Self ; alignment ; Surface tension force ; Fluid– ; structure interaction ; Numerical model ; Flow vortex
• 刊名：Microfluidics and Nanofluidics
• 出版年：2009
• 出版时间：January, 2009
• 年：2009
• 卷：6
• 期：1
• 页码：63-75
• 全文大小：1.2 MB

文摘

The Fluidic Self-Alignment Approach provides an alternative means for fast, economic, and precise handling of thousands of micro-scale parts. The present study aims to examine the important parameters which govern the mechanisms of the fluidic self-assembly process by numerical simulations. A simplified 2D model system consists of a solid plate, a micro-scale liquid slug and a micropart. The computational model is based on first principle conservation equations and is constructed by the coupling of two-phase modeling, solid structure modeling, and fluid–structure coupling. A matching experimental system is set up for the micropart of aspect ratio from 3:1 to 10:1 to validate the 2D computational simulations. Simulations reveal that a high degree of hydrophilicity between the lubricant and the solid surfaces is required for the self-assembly of microparts. A lower lubricant height, a higher surface tension coefficient and a higher viscosity enforce the re-alignment/restoration process also. Characterization of the flow field inside lubricant slug also indicates that the asymmetry of the vortices/stress distribution at both ends of the lubricant meniscus is resulted as the micropart in a back-and-forth restoration process.