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Multiphysics modeling of an IPMC microfluidic control device

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Abstract

A microfluidic control device that uses an electroactive polymer for actuation has been recently proposed. This design has potential to control temperature sensitive particle-laden liquids. The electro-mechanical characteristics of ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuators have been studied both theoretically and empirically. However, very little data has been published on the thermal behavior of IPMC actuators. To realize the proposed fluidic control device, it is essential to understand the thermal properties of the device under actuation conditions. This paper discusses the theoretical basis for developing a multiphysics model describing electroactive polymer actuation. In addition, experimental results are presented that give insight to the thermal characteristics of IPMC actuation.

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Abbreviations

κ:

electrical permittivity

E :

electric field

σ:

surface charge density

ϕ :

electrostatic potential

C :

concentration

F:

Faraday’s constant

k h :

coefficient of hydraulic conductivity

k e :

coefficient of electroosmotic permeability

P :

pressure

J w :

fluid flux per unit area

J i :

mass flux of the ith ion

D i :

diffusion constant of the ith ion

u :

electrical ionic mobility

z :

charge number of the ith ion

ρ:

density

c p :

specific heat capacity

T :

temperature

k :

thermal conductivity

\( {\mathop q\limits^ \bullet } \) :

heat generation rate

Ω:

fluid viscous dissipation

\( {\mathop U\limits^ \to } \) :

pore fluid velocity vector

μ:

fluid viscosity

φ :

porosity

ω:

capacity ratio

H :

heat transfer coefficient

A :

area

α:

thermal diffusivity

λ:

electrical conductivity

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biomechanics Research Laboratory, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    Tom Johnson & Farid Amirouche

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  1. Tom Johnson
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  2. Farid Amirouche
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Correspondence to Tom Johnson.

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Johnson, T., Amirouche, F. Multiphysics modeling of an IPMC microfluidic control device. Microsyst Technol 14, 871–879 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00542-008-0603-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00542-008-0603-6

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