A dissipative particle dynamics study of flow in periodically grooved nanochannels

Abstract

The effect of periodic rectangular wall roughness on planar nanochannel flow is investigated by dissipative particle dynamics simulation. The wall protrusion length is varied, and its effect on the flow is examined. Analysis of particle trajectories and average residence time reveals temporary trapping of fluid particles inside the rectangular cavities for a considerable amount of time. This trapping affects the density, velocity, pressure, and temperature distribution inside and close to the cavities. Inside the cavities, low-velocity regions and regions of high density related to high pressure and high temperature are observed. When compared with that of the channel with flat walls case, lower flow velocities, temperatures, and pressures are observed for grooved channels. The reduction of the above quantities is more pronounced as the protrusion length, that is, the roughness characteristic length, decreases. Finally, the relation of friction factor, f, with the flow Reynolds number is discussed. The model predicts f Re = constant in the range 20 <= Re <= 100. The results of this work are of direct relevance to the design of nanofluidic devices. Copyright (c) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.