Comparative analysis and numerical simulation of Carreau-Yasuda fluid models in electrokinetic microfluidic systems
This study numerically compares the performance of classical and proposed models used in electrokinetic microfluidic systems using the Carreau-Yasuda fluid model. The time-dependent behavior of electroosmotic flow in a microchannel is investigated by solving the Poisson-Boltzmann and Nernst-Planck equations using the finite difference method. The proposed model, based on the Helmholtz-Smoluchowski theory, is used to determine the electrical potential distribution and viscoelastic properties of the fluid. The results show that the Carreau-Yasuda model provides a significant improvement in ion transport; ions are guided with sharper concentration profiles, under reduced diffusion effects, and in shorter time. It shows near 30% enhanced ion transfer rate over a traditional device and reveals an outstanding performance in sensitive ion separation. In addition, the enhanced electrical boundary conditions of electrokinetic gate systems foster a reliable and repeatable analysis environment for microchip applications.
- Journal
- MICROSYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES-MICRO-AND NANOSYSTEMS-INFORMATION STORAGE AND PROCESSING SYSTEMS
- Year
- 2026
- Volume
- 32
- Issue
- 4
- ISSN
- 0946-7076
- eISSN
- 1432-1858
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00542-025-06014-9
- WoS UID
- WOS:001712952200003