Numerical simulations of complex fluid-flows at microscale

Abstract

This chapter provides to the students an up-to-date overview of the current challenges in the numerical simulations of complex fluid-flows at microscale. At such reduced length scales, phenomena involving viscous forces, reactive flows and surface effects (electrokinetics, slip flows, capillarity, surface tension) may become more important, and eventually overcame the effects of other macro scale predominant forces, such as inertial or gravitational effects. Therefore, numerical methods to simulate complex fluid-flows at microscale need to account with this newforces interplay arrangement. This chapter includes detailed insights into the main differences between macro and micro numerical simulations, presented in a modular view, and containing the synopsis of the theoretical models, numerical methods and simulation tools.