Open Access

ARTICLE

Optimization of the Drag Forces of Shell Janus Micromotor: A Study Based on Hydrodynamical Analysis and Numerical Simulation

Qiang Wang, Zhen Wang^*

Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China

* Corresponding Author: Zhen Wang. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Modeling of Heterogeneous Materials)

Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences 2022, 130(1), 443-462. https://doi.org/10.32604/cmes.2022.015717

Received 08 January 2021; Accepted 08 July 2021; Issue published 29 November 2021

Abstract

Micromotors are widely used in cell operation, drug delivery and environmental decontamination due to their small size, low energy consumption and large propelling power. Compared to traditional Janus micromotor, the shell Janus micromotor has better motion performance. However, the structural optimization of its motion performance is still unclear. The main factor restricting the motion performance of shell Janus micromotors is the drag forces. In the current work, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation were applied to analyze the drag forces of shell Janus micromotors. This study aims to design the optimum structure of shell Janus micromotors with minimum drag forces and obtain the magnitude of drag forces considering both the internal and external fluids of the shell Janus micromotors. Moreover, the influence of the motor geometry and Reynolds number on the drag coefficient was analyzed using numerical simulations. The results provide guidance for the optimum flow velocity, opening diameter and shell thickness to achieve minimum drag force.

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