Influence of periodic trench patterns on the motion of densely packed emulsions within confined geometries
Journal
Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers
Journal Volume
185
Start Page
106668
ISSN
18761070
Date Issued
2026-08
Author(s)
Abstract
Background Understanding how surface textures influence emulsion transport in confined geometries is essential for advancing microfluidic technologies. Methods We employ Dissipative Particle Dynamics simulations to investigate the transport of densely packed emulsions through slit channels patterned with periodic trenches. The walls contain periodic trenches whose orientation, width, and height can be systematically varied. Significant findings : When trenches are tilted relative to the flow axis, droplets undergo transverse displacement, peaking at intermediate tilt angles. Symmetric and antisymmetric wall configurations confirm that lateral slip and transverse shear develop without altering the stairwise velocity profile. Widening the trenches reduces droplet–wall contact and thereby increases apparent slip, whereas deeper trenches restrict droplet motion through enhanced confinement. The slip magnitude scales inversely with the effective contact fraction, indicating that surface texture modulates slip through geometric control of droplet–wall interactions. These insights clarify how trench topography directs near-wall dynamics and determines the collective flow response of densely packed emulsions.
Subjects
Densely packed emulsion flow
Lateral slip
Patterned surface roughness
Transverse flow
Trench orientation
Publisher
Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers
Type
journal article