A CFD simulation study on 3D-printed droplet-based microfluidic devices

The thesis extensively explores droplet-based microfluidics, delving into principles, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and experimental methods. It begins with an introduction, providing background and motivations. A literature review covers fluid dynamics, dimensionless parameters, droplet generation, breakup modes, and applications. The research focuses on investigating parameters affecting droplet size during generation and breakup. Experimental setup details apparatus for droplet generation and measurement. The study uses the level-set method and two-phase flow equations for simulation. CFD modeling explains numerical methods, setup, geometry, boundary conditions, and mesh. Validation compares numerical and experimental data, exploring initialization factors and mesh variations' effects on droplet size. Simulation results analyze parameters like contact angle, slip length, continuous phase density, and viscosity. Findings show contact angle and slip length significantly influence droplet size, while density and viscosity of the continuous phase have minor effects. In conclusion, the thesis offers insights into droplet generation and breakup using CFD modeling, laying groundwork for future investigations in this field.