Kevin Tully

Graduation Semester and Year

2011

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

First Advisor

Albert Y Tong

Abstract

Numerical modeling and simulations have been performed in this study that focuses on modeling the fluid dynamics of an Electrowetting-on-Dielectric (EWOD) device. The case to be modeled in the present study is a droplet cutting problem where a droplet is sandwiched between two plates of Teflon and an electrical actuation will cause the droplet to cut or split into two smaller droplets. A finite difference method has been used to solve the Navier-Stokes equations, along with the continuity equation. An algorithm used for tracking the free surface is the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method. Along with using the VOF method a Continuum Surface Force (CSF) model is implemented to accurately predict the physics of the surface tension on the free surface. The finalized algorithm used for solving the fluid flow is known as the Coupled Level Set - Volume of Fluid (CLSVOF) method. The physics of the fluid dynamics within a EWOD device have been investigated and adaptations have been made to the CLSVOF method to accurately predict the displacement and motion of the fluid. The accuracy of the numerical model has been validated using comparisons with published experimental data. A parametric study has been performed on the effects of various parameters.

Disciplines

Aerospace Engineering | Engineering | Mechanical Engineering

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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