Affiliation: | 1.Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK),University of Freiburg,Freiburg,Germany;2.Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS),University of Freiburg,Freiburg,Germany;3.Schmidt and Partner Engineering AG (SPEAG),Zürich,Switzerland |
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. |