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Insight into the micro scale dynamics of a micro fluidic wetting-based conveying system by particle based simulation

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Abstract

We simulate a microfluidic conveying system using the many-body dissipative particle dynamics method (MDPD). The conveying system can transport micro parts to a specified spot on a surface by letting them float inside or on top of a droplet, which is pumped by changing the wetting behaviour of the substrate, e.g., with electrowetting on dielectrics. Subsequent evaporation removes the fluid; the micro part remains on its final position, where a second substrate can pick it up. In this way, the wetting control can be separate from the final device substrate. The MDPD method represents a fluid by particles, which are interpreted as a coarse graining of the fluid’s molecules. The choice of interaction forces allows for free surfaces. To introduce a contact angle model, non-moving particles beyond the substrate interact with the fluid particles by MDPD forces such that the required contact angle emerges. The micro part is simulated by particles with spring-type interaction forces.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge complete funding by the DFG via the project Electrowetting-Simulation mit Partikelmethoden (Grant No. LI 1831/1-2).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110, Freiburg, Germany

    Jan Lienemann, Dennis Weiß, Andreas Greiner, Oliver Grünert & Jan G. Korvink

  2. Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19, 79104, Freiburg, Germany

    David Kauzlaric & Jan G. Korvink

  3. Schmidt and Partner Engineering AG (SPEAG), Zeughausstraße 43, 8004, Zürich, Switzerland

    Jan Lienemann

Authors
  1. Jan Lienemann
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  2. Dennis Weiß
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  3. Andreas Greiner
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  4. David Kauzlaric
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  5. Oliver Grünert
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  6. Jan G. Korvink
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Correspondence to Dennis Weiß.

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Lienemann, J., Weiß, D., Greiner, A. et al. Insight into the micro scale dynamics of a micro fluidic wetting-based conveying system by particle based simulation. Microsyst Technol 18, 523–530 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00542-012-1460-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00542-012-1460-x

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