Investigation of boiling process of different fluids in microchannels and nanochannels in the presence of external electric field and external magnetic field using molecular dynamics simulation

Abstract

The microfluidic systems' thermal performance in various industries is affected by the fluid flow within their micro/nanochannels. This study aimed to investigate the boiling process of samples simulated in micro/nanochannel by molecular dynamics simulation. In the present study, the boiling time inside the micro/nanochannel is investigated at different types of base fluid (Helium, oxygen (air), and water), different types of channels walls particles (copper, platinum, and copper/platinum), number of atomic curvatures (1, 2, and 3), external electric field (1, 2, and 5 V/m), and external magnetic fields (1, 2, and 5 T). Numerically, the phase change rate in Helium base fluid samples is higher than other fluids. Its boiling time in micro/nanochannels was 3.88 and 3.54 ns, respectively. This indicates an increase in these structures' efficiency in constructing heat transfer processes. In addition, the boiling time of the base fluid in the platinum atomic micro/nanochannels occurs in a shorter time of 3.61 and 3.52 ns. By increasing the number of curves from 1 to 3 complete curvatures, the micro/nanochannel's boiling time decreases from 3.88/3.54 to 3.07/2.89 ns. Also, by increasing the intensity of the external electric field from 0 to 5 V/m, the boiling time in the micro/nanochannel decreases from 3.88/3.84 ns to 3.21/3.16 ns. Finally, increasing the intensity of the external magnetic field from 0 to 5 T leads to a decrease in boiling time in the micro/nanochannel to 3.10/3.02 ns. This phenomenon indicates an increase in mobility and kinetic energy of the base fluid by applying the external field.