Computing separated flows in MEMS devices

Fluid flows in micro devices span the entire Knudsen (Kn) number regime. Depending on the Kn range, a full continuum or a full free-molecular analysis may be applicable. In the present study, flows in the Kn range of 10^-3 to 10^-1 are considered and they are modeled using a conventional Navier-Stokes solver. Its boundary conditions, however, have been modified to account for the slip velocity and the temperature jump conditions encountered in these micro-sized geometries. The computations have been performed for straight micro channels, a micro backward facing step, and a micro filter. The present results are then compared with analytical formulae and other computations available in the literature. The results indicate that the rarefaction and compressibility effects present in these micro devices have been accurately predicted. In the case of slip flow, the separation is found to occur at a higher Reynolds number compared to the corresponding no-slip flow case. As the next step of the study, micro synthetic jets will be computed and the optimal cavity actuator geometries will be sought for desired flow deflections.