Electromagnetohydrodynamic flow and thermal performance in a rotating rough surface microchannel

Abstract

Rough surfaces in microchannels effectively enhance liquid mixing, thermal performance, and chemical reactions in electrically actuated microfluidic devices. Rotation of the microchannel with surface roughness intensifies this enhancement. We investigate the combined effects of electromagnetohydrodynamics and surface roughness on transient rotating flow in microchannels. We present a mathematical model considering the variable zeta potential, heat transfer characteristics, and entropy generation within the microchannel. We obtain analytical solutions using the separation of variables method and Fourier series expansion. The surface roughness of the microchannel, when combined with rotation, impacts the temperature enhancement. Higher rotation rates result in the formation of multiple vortices. The secondary flow pushes the primary velocity toward the boundary layer, which affects the flow pattern. Surface roughness and electroosmotic flow significantly affect secondary flow, resulting in complex flow patterns and reversals. The interaction between centrifugal and viscous forces results in maximum velocities at the boundary layers. Higher roughness and electromagnetic effects enhance temperature by intensifying fluid-solid friction and joule heating. Surface roughness causes an increase in wall shear stress and friction factor, resulting in a higher Poiseuille number. Moreover, surface roughness increases entropy production by enhancing fluid mixing and internal friction despite improved heat transfer. Higher rotation also elevates entropy generation due to additional vortices induced by secondary flow.