Conservative Level Set Simulation of Droplet Formation in a Circular T and Y Junction Microchannel

Abstract

Conservative two-phase level set simulations of the droplet formation in a T-junction circular microchannel of aqueous droplets in an oil based continuous phase have been carried out. Detailed understanding of the physical processes affecting droplet formation is desirable. The particular focus of this study was to examine the effects of wettability, surface tension, flow rate ratio, channel diameter and channel geometry on droplet formation. From the simulated results it was observed that, when the contact angle is increased from 35⁰ 170⁰, droplet diameter increased gradually for T and Y junction microchannel. Diameter of droplet decreased when the flow rate ratio (Qo/Qw) is increased. When the geometry of the microchannel is altered, rectangular microchannel has found to produce elongated droplets than the square and circular microchannels. While, circular microchannels generated smaller droplet diameter when compared to the square and rectangular microchannels. When the interfacial tension was increased from 1e-3 N/m to 8e-3 N/m the droplet diameter also increased for T and Y Junction microchannel. And, when the diameter of microchannel is decreased from 120 μm to 40 μm there was a decrease in droplet diameter for both T and Y junction microchannels.