Numerical Investigation on Hydrodynamics of Lubricant-Infused Hydrophobic Microchannel with Transversely Oriented Cavities

Higher values of pressure drop due to the resistance offered in the microchannel can be dealt with the introduction of fluid within the microgroove surfaces of a microchannel. The non-uniformity in the groove shapes observed calls for an extensive study to determine which geometry contributes to higher drag reduction because of an increase in the volume of entrapped fluid. It is also to be noted that the inherent viscosity of the infused fluid can also govern the effective slip length value. Hence, the present study contributes to the enhancement of drag reduction of a lubricant-infused hydrophobic microchannel for isothermal conditions. In Stokes’s regime, the effect of varying the geometrical parameter of a lubricant-infused cavity showed a significant reduction in the flow resistance inside the microchannel. Present study recorded that the increase in cavity area and high aspect ratio reduces hydrodynamic resistance. Further, low viscosity ratio ribbed channels are suitable for internal fluid applications.