Finite element simulation of an electroosmotic-driven flow division at a T-junction of microscale dimensions

A finite element formulation is developed for the simulation of an electroo smotic flow in rectangular microscale channel networks. The distribution of the now at a decoupling T-junction is investigated from a hydrodynamic sta ndpoint in the case of a pressure-driven and an electroosmotically driven f low. The calculations are carried out in two steps: first solving the poten tial distribution arising from the external electric field and from the inh erent zeta potential. These distributions are then injected in the Navier S tokes equation for the calculation of the velocity profile. The influence o f the various parameters such as the zeta potential distribution, the Reyno lds number, and the relative channel widths on the flow distribution is inv estigated.