Numerical simulation of slug flow in microchannels

The rapid development of microfabrication techniques creates new opportunities for applications of microchannel reactor technology in chemical reaction engineering. Even though many investigators have attempted numerical simulation of two-phase flows in microchannels, most efforts seem to have incorrectly captured the flow physics, especially the slug flow regime characteristics. The presence of a thin liquid film in the order of ۱۰ μm(or less) around the bubble may contribute to the above difficulty. This study simulated a slug flow regime in a rectangular microchannel with a ۲۰۰ ۴۰ ʽm cross-section using air and water as working fluids. An ANSYS Fluent software package and a Volume Of Fluid (VOF) method have been used, and the minimum mesh resolution required to capture the liquid film surrounding the gas bubble is reported.