Dynamics of an elliptical cylinder in confined Poiseuille flow under Navier slip boundary conditions

Abstract

A comprehensive understanding of surface wetting phenomena in microchannels is essential for optimizing particle transport and filtration processes. This study numerically investigates the dynamics of a freely suspended elliptical cylinder in confined Poiseuille flow, with a focus on Navier slip boundary conditions. The smoothed particle hydrodynamics method is employed, which is advantageous for its Lagrangian framework in handling dynamic fluid-solid interfaces with slip. Our results demonstrate that the slip conditions enable precise control over inertial focusing positions and particle motion modes. Compared to no-slip scenarios, unilateral wall slip induces two novel motion types: “leaning” and “rolling”. When equal slip lengths are applied to both walls, even small slip values facilitate off-center inertial focusing and elevate equilibrium positions. Slip on the cylinder surface further enhances inertial lift while suppressing rotational dynamics. In particular, under strong confinement or with large particle-surface slip lengths, we identify an additional distinct motion regime termed “inclined.” These findings provide new insights for active particle manipulation in microfluidic applications.