Development of a High-Resolution Scheme for Solving the PNP-NS Equations in Curved Channels

Abstract

AbstractA high-order finite difference scheme has been developed to approximate the spatial derivative terms present in the unsteady Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) equations and incompressible Navier-Stokes (NS) equations. Near the wall the sharp solution profiles are resolved by using the combined compact difference (CCD) scheme developed in five-point stencil. This CCD scheme has a sixth-order accuracy for the second-order derivative terms while a seventh-order accuracy for the first-order derivative terms. PNP-NS equations have been also transformed to the curvilinear coordinate system to study the effects of channel shapes on the development of electroos-motic flow. In this study, the developed scheme has been analyzed rigorously through the modified equation analysis. In addition, the developed method has been computationally verified through four problems which are amenable to their own exact solutions. The electroosmotic flow details in planar and wavy channels have been explored with the emphasis on the formation of Coulomb force. Significance of different forces resulting from the pressure gradient, diffusion and Coulomb origins on the convective electroosmotic flow motion is also investigated in detail.