Behavior of Droplet Trapping in an L-Shaped Constricted Microchannel
摘要
The droplet trapping dynamics in an L-shaped constricted microchannel are investigated using three-dimensional numerical simulations and theoretical analysis. The observed droplet regimes include trapping and squeezing. Based on the theoretical balance of the hydrostatic pressure of flow exerted on the droplet and the net Laplace pressure of the droplet generated by contraction when entering the constricted microchannel, a theoretical model is proposed to predict the critical capillary number Ca governing the transition between the two regimes. The theoretical model considers the effects of the viscosity ratio