Numerical study of thermophoretic deposition of particles in a microchannel with multivibrating elastic ribbons

This research numerically investigates the deposition of airborne particles in a microchannel with elastic ribbons under the influence of thermophoretic forces. The finite element method and an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) formulation were employed to solve the governing equations for fluid flow, heat transfer, and particle trajectories. Simulations were conducted for various ribbon configurations and particle sizes ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 µm. Results indicate that thermophoretic forces significantly influence particle deposition in this microchannel system. Increasing the temperature difference between the channel walls, particularly by selecting the upper wall as the hot wall, enhances the thermophoretic force and leads to higher deposition rates. The presence and vibration of elastic ribbons further impact particle trajectories, particularly when placed on the upper wall. In this configuration, the combined effect of thermophoretic force and ribbon movement directs particles toward the lower wall, increasing the likelihood of deposition. Additionally, particles with a diameter of 0.1 μm are more susceptible to thermophoretic forces, resulting in higher deposition rates compared to larger particles. This study provides insights into the complex interplay between fluid flow, heat transfer, and particle transport in microchannel systems with elastic ribbons. The findings have potential applications in various fields, including microfluidic devices, air filtration, and thermal management.