Numerical Simulation of Bubble Formation and Transport in Cross-Flowing Streams

Numerical simulations on confined bubble trains formed by cross-flowing streams are carried out with the numerical code THETIS which is based on the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method and has been developed for two phase flow studies and especially for a gas-liquid system. The surface tension force, which needs particular attention in order to determine the shape of the interface accurately, is computed using the Continuum Surface Force model (CSF). Through the coupling of a VOF-PLIC technique (Piecewise-Linear Interface Calculation) and a smoothing function of adjustable thickness, the Smooth Volume of Fluid technique (SVOF) is intended to capture accurately strong interface distortion, rupture or reconnection with large density and viscosity contrasts between phases. This approach is extended by using the regular VOF-PLIC technique, while applying a smoothing procedure affecting both physical characteristics averaging and surface tension modeling. The front-capturing strategy is extended to gas injection. We begin by introducing the main physical phenomena occurring during bubble formation in microfluidic systems. Then, an experimental study performed in a cylindrical T-junction for different wetting behaviors is presented. For the wetting configuration, Cartesian 2D numerical simulations concerning the gas-liquid bubble production performed in a T-junction with rectangular, planar cross sections are shown and compared with experimental measurements. Finally, the results obtained of bubble break-up mechanism, shape, transport and pressure drop along the channel will be presented, discussed and compared to some experimental and numerical outcomes given in the literature.