Parametric Investigation of Droplet Generation Inside T-Junction Microchannel

Droplet generation inside the microchannel and its manipulation are one of essential droplet microfluidics processes. Many researchers study the physics behind droplet generation inside the T-junction microchannel; still, a thorough understanding of the concepts behind droplet formation is missing. The current investigation focuses on the parametric study of aqueous droplets in oil for a T-channel. This study examines the impact of numerous parameters, including the continuous phase capillary number (Cac), flow rate ratio (ϕ), and various fluid combinations, as well as the dispersed phase Weber number (Wed), on the droplet size and frequency of droplet formation within a T-channel. Different flow patterns like squeezing, dripping, and jetting regimes are observed from flow visualization. The variation of droplet length due to Wed is studied for a constant Cac. In-house experiments are conducted for Cac = 0.0004–0.2, flow rate ratios (ϕ = 1, 0.5, 0.25), and for varying Wed.