A fast method for particulate microflows

Abstract

Modeling of active control of microparticles is important in a number of different microfluidic applications, including bioflows and self-assembled structures. We present here a fast method for simulating the dynamics of many particles in complex microgeometries. The method is based on a spatial distribution of finite force multipoles and requires much less resolution than full direct numerical simulations. The numerical formulation is summarized, and examples are given for Stokes flow and low Reynolds number flow in smooth and rough microchannels. Comparisons made with full direct numerical simulations and experiments validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed approach.