A numerical investigation into electroosmotic flow in microchannels with complex wavy surfaces

Abstract

This study investigates the flow characteristics of electroosmotic flow in a microchannel with complex wavy surfaces. A general method of coordinate transformation is used to solve the governing equations describing the electroosmotic flow in the microchannel. Numerical simulations are performed to analyze the effects of wave amplitude on the electrical field, flow streamlines, and flow fields in the microchannel. The simulation results show that, compared to a traditional pressure-driven flow, flow recirculation is not developed in the electroosmotic flow in a microchannel with complex wavy surfaces. The simulations also show that the electrical field and velocity profiles change along the channel in the region of wavy surfaces. Non-flat velocity profiles are observed in different cross-sections of the channel in the region of wavy surfaces.