Droplet Formation Studies for a Piezo-actuated Micro-injector

摘要

The droplet formation process of a novel piezo-actuated micro-injector is studied using a computational approach. In simulations, the theoretical model is based on the time-dependent three-dimensional conservation equations of mass and momentum. The surface tension effect at the gas-liquid boundary is treated using the continuous surface force (CSF) scheme. The volume-of-fluid (VOF) method in conjunction with the piecewise linear interface construction (PLIC) technique is exploited to describe interfacial movements. The time evolution of the droplet meniscus shape is predicted throughout the formation process and compared with Shield's micro-photographed images for the computer package validation. To explore the feasibility of proposed new micro-injector in practical applications, the droplet deformation characteristics are determined in terms of droplet topology, breakup length and time, and flight velocity for dispensing different liquids such as water, anisol, Pedot, PLED, and blood.