Simulation of vortex characteristics in a planar ψ-shaped branching microchannel with lattice Boltzmann method

Abstract

The vortex in the branching microchannel enhances the mixing and heat transfer performance. To investigate the vortex intensity quantitatively, a lattice Boltzmann model for incompressible power-law fluid is developed by setting the range of lattice viscosity (0.001 [Formula: see text] 1). The validation of the current model is carried out by modeling the vortex in a T-shaped branching channel and the Poiseuille flow of power-law fluids. Then the vortex intensity in the [Formula: see text]-shaped microchannel is numerically studied in terms of Reynolds number, branching angle and power-law index. The result indicates that both the recirculation length and height increase with the increase of the Reynolds number. The branching angle has a negative impact on the recirculation length, and it has little effect on the recirculation height. The influence of the power-law index on recirculation length and height depends on the Reynolds number.