Exact Solution of AC Electro-Osmotic Flow in a Microannulus

Abstract

The time-periodic electro-osmotic flow in a microannulus is investigated based on the linearized Poisson–Boltzmann equation. An exact solution of the velocity distribution is obtained by using the Green's function approach. The influences of the geometric radius ratio, the wall ζ potential ratio, the electrokinetic radius, and the dimensionless frequency on velocity profiles are presented. Variations of the geometric radius ratio (between zero and one) can lead to quite different flow behaviors. The wall ζ potential ratio affects the magnitude and direction of the velocity profiles within the electric double layer near the two walls of a microannulus. Depending on the frequency and the geometric radius ratio, the walls identically and/or oppositely charged, both may result in the two-opposite-direction flow in the annulus. For high frequency, the electro-osmotic velocity variations are restricted mainly within a thin layer near the two cylindrical walls. Increasing the electrokinetic radius leads to decrease the electric double layer thickness as well as the maximum velocity near the walls.