A Review of the Methods of Modeling Multi-Phase Flows within Different Microchannels Shapes and Their Applications

Abstract

In industrial processes, the microtechnology concept refers to the operation of small devices that integrate the elements of operational and reaction units to save energy and space. The advancement of knowledge in the field of microfluidics has resulted in fabricating devices with different applications in micro and nanoscales. Micro- and nano-devices can provide energy-efficient systems due to their high thermal performance. Fluid flow in microchannels and microstructures has been widely considered by researchers in the last two decades. In this paper, a review study on fluid flow within microstructures is performed. The present study aims to present the results obtained in previous studies on this type of system. First, different types of flows in microchannels are examined. The present article will then review previous articles and present a general summary in each section. Then, the multi-phase flows inside the microchannels are discussed, and the flows inside the micropumps, microturbines, and micromixers are evaluated. According to the literature review, it is found that the use of microstructures enhances energy efficiency. The results of previous investigations revealed that the use of nanofluids as a working fluid in microstructures improves energy efficiency. Previous studies have demonstrated special attention to the design aspects of microchannels and micro-devices compared to other design strategies to improve their performance. Finally, general concluding remarks are presented, and the existing challenges in the use of these devices and suggestions for future investigations are presented.

Insights into modeling approaches for boundary- and mixed-lubricated conditions

“…Moreover, significant research effort has been dedicated towards the development and verification of multi-phase models. The interested reader is referred to the state-of-the-art literature (Shahmohammadi and Jafari, 2014; Abidi et al , 2021; Shahmohamadi et al , 2017; Chowdhury et al , 2020; Khanafer and Vafai, 2021).…”

Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of a Two-Phase Supercritical Open Channel Junction Flow

“…The complex dynamics of multiphase flows demand the use of unique techniques to accurately predict the location of a free surface. Among these techniques, the VOF and mixture models are widely employed due to their versatility and reliability [50].…”

Photo‐induced Multiphasic Reactions in Flow Process: A Decade of Progress

“…[7] The purpose of this review is to present the potential of photo-induced multiphasic reactions in flow process, offering novel discoveries and technological advancements that address significant contemporary challenges such as environmental concerns and energy scarcity. While several review articles on photochemistry [8] or multiphasic reactions [9] in flow process have already been published, these comprehensive reviews have primarily focused on single-phase photochemical reactions, [10] heterogeneous photocatalysis [11] or general multiphase reactions utilizing heterogeneous catalysts, [12] making this review distinct. Furthermore, the review is organized by categorizing content based on reaction types: photo-induced two-phase reactions (solid-liquid, liquid-gas, and solid-gas) presented in Table 1, and photo-induced three-phase reactions (solid-liquid-gas and liquid-liquid-gas) featured in Table 2.…”