Numerical Simulation of Mixed Electroosmotic/Pressure Driven Microflows

A spectral element algorithm is developed to analyze mixed electroosmotic/pressure driven flows in complex two-dimensional geometries. The new algorithm exhibits spectral accuracy in resolving thin electric double layers. Mixed electroosmotic/pressure driven flows are simulated in straight channels. Electrokinetic pumping and the means of producing large pressure gradients in microchannels are explored. Finally, electroosmotic flow in a T-junction geometry is analyzed under various external electric field strengths. Flowrate in the T-junction is shown to vary linearly with the electroosmotic body forces in the Stokes flow regime.