Numerical characterization of laminar flow through a superhydrophobic rectangular microchannel

The hydrodynamic and heat transfer behavior of a laminar flow inside a rectangular microchannel with one superhydrophobic (SHP) wall, patterned with square micro-grooves were numerically investigated. Rather than simulating the air-water interfaces of a SHP surface as a flat and inflexible surface, a VOF multiphase model was applied for capturing the interface at the liquid-gas meniscus inside a microchannel. The results demonstrate that the SHP surfaces reduce the friction in the microchannels significantly. However, in this case the overall heat transfer is deteriorated. Thus combined frictional and thermal performances of SHP and smooth microchannels are evaluated by a goodness factor.

Keywords:

Superhydrophobic Surfaces , Rectangular Microchannels , Numerical Simulation , Pressure Drop , Heat Transfer