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Effects of surface roughness on shear viscosity.
Michail Papanikolaou1, Michael Frank2, Dimitris Drikakis2
1Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, United Kingdom.
Physical Review. E
|April 19, 2017
Summary
Surface roughness increases fluid viscosity near walls, especially with deeper roughness and higher wettability. This finding impacts microfluidic system modeling.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Fluid viscosity typically remains constant in smooth channels.
- Understanding boundary effects is crucial for microfluidic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the impact of surface roughness on fluid viscosity.
- Quantify the relationship between roughness, wettability, and boundary viscosity.
Main Methods:
- Molecular dynamics simulations of liquid argon flow.
- Modeling wall surface roughness using fractal theory.
Main Results:
- Viscosity increases near rough walls, unlike in smooth channels.
- Increased roughness depth and solid wettability enhance boundary viscosity.
- Momentum transfer at the boundary is identified as the cause.
Conclusions:
- Developed an analytical model for viscosity near rough walls.
- The model incorporates distance from walls, roughness, and wettability.
- Findings can refine fluid dynamics equations for microfluidics.