Numerical simulation of electrically-driven flows using OpenFOAM

Abstract

In this work, we study the implementation of electrically-driven flow (EDF) models in the finite-volume framework of $\text{OpenFOAM}^\circledR$. The Poisson-Nernst-Planck model is used for the transport of charged species and it is coupled to the Navier-Stokes equations, governing the fluid flow. In addition, the Poisson-Boltzmann and Debye-H\"uckel models are also implemented. The discretization method and the boundary conditions are carefully handled in order to ensure conservativeness of ionic species in generic meshes and second-order accuracy in space and time. The applicability of the developed solver is illustrated in two relevant EDFs: induced-charge electroosmosis around a conducting cylinder and charge transport across an ion-selective membrane. The solver developed in the present work, freely available as open-source, can be a valuable and versatile tool in the investigation of generic electrically-driven flows.