Numerical Investigation on Effect of Hydrophobicity on Fluid Flow Through Microchannels Using Lattice Boltzmann Method

The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) has been used in this study to conduct a numerical analysis of the impact of hydrophobicity on fluid flow through microchannels. Due to the wide range of applications, microfluidics has attracted much attention, and controlling fluid flow at the microscale is essential for enhancing device performance. Hydrophobic surfaces are particularly interesting for microfluidic systems because they have the potential to change flow properties. In order to model and examine hydrophobic fluxes in microchannels, the LBM is used as a numerical tool. The experiment demonstrates that hydrophobic surfaces significantly influence fluid flow behavior. Researchers have been able to investigate and comprehend the fundamental phenomena linked to hydrophobicity-induced flow alterations by using the LBM. The solid–fluid interaction parameter (Gads) is taken in the range of − 2.75 to − 1.25, and the Reynolds number is considered Re = 1, 10, 20, and 30, respectively. The results show how hydrophobic coatings or patterns can improve slip flow, lessen friction, and drastically alter velocity profiles close to microchannel walls. Contact angle and surface wettability are crucial variables affecting these effects’ severity. Additionally, it is discovered that factors like solid–fluid interaction parameters of microchannel walls and Reynolds number play important roles in the behavior of the hydrophobic flow.