Diffusion coefficient of Brownian particle in rough micro-channel

This study examines the feasibility of using of the lattice Boltzmann method to determine how the surface roughness of a quadrate channel affects the diffusion coefficient of Brownian particle(s). The surface was represented by a regular array of spheres. Surface roughness reduced the diffusion coefficient of the Brownian particle(s) because of a change in the velocity autocorrelation function decay and in pressure. Additionally, the neighboring particles increased the diffusion coefficient of Brownian particle.

Graphical abstractSurface roughness reduced diffusivity of Brownian particles in a micro-channel, particularly when the size of particle approaches that of the channel.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide