Bayesian optimization of operational and geometric parameters of microchannels for targeted droplet generation

Abstract

Integrating Bayesian Optimization with Volume of Fluid (VOF) simulations, this work aims to optimize the operational conditions and geometric parameters of T-junction microchannels for target droplet sizes. Bayesian Optimization utilizes Gaussian Process (GP) as its core model and employs an adaptive search strategy to efficiently explore and identify optimal combinations of operational parameters within a limited parameter space, thereby enabling rapid optimization of the required parameters to achieve the target droplet size. Traditional methods typically rely on manually selecting a series of operational parameters and conducting multiple simulations to gradually approach the target droplet size. This process is time-consuming and prone to getting trapped in local optima. In contrast, Bayesian Optimization adaptively adjusts its search strategy, significantly reducing computational costs and effectively exploring global optima, thus greatly improving optimization efficiency. Additionally, the study investigates the impact of rectangular rib structures within the T-junction microchannel on droplet generation, revealing how the channel geometry influences droplet formation and size. After determining the target droplet size, we further applied Bayesian Optimization to refine the rib geometry. The integration of Bayesian Optimization with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) offers a promising tool and provides new insights into the optimal design of microfluidic devices.