A simulation tool built using COMSOL Multiphysics to model and visualize droplet generation in a flow-focusing chip, for educational purposes. Created by Nafisat Gyimah and Tamas Pardy.
This application simulates a droplet generator chip with adjustable flow parameters. It supports both visualization and animation export of simulation results.
- Developer: Tamas Pardy, Nafisat Gyimah
- Initial Release: April 16, 2021
- Minimum Requirements: COMSOL 5.6+, Intel Core i5 or similar, 16+ GB RAM and SSD recommended
The tool allows researchers to:
- Simulate droplet formation in a microfluidic chip
- Analyze volume fraction distribution over time
- Export animations for algorithm development and presentation (Windows only)
The model simulates the flow in a microfluidic chip with:
- Oil filter
- Water inlet
- Oil inlet
- Droplet generation junction
- Outlet
Expected simulation time for 0.05 s with default parameters:
~4.5 hours on Core i5-10210U with 32 GB RAM → Optimized to ~30 min in later versions.
-
Launch the App:
- Open
DropletMFsim_W0.09mm_app_vX.Y.mphin COMSOL App Builder
- Open
-
Enter Parameters:
- Simulation time (e.g.
0.05) - Oil flow rate
- Water flow rate
- Simulation time (e.g.
-
Run Simulation:
- Click Compute
- Monitor progress via status bar
-
Visualize & Export:
- Zoom and inspect output
- Export animation using Export Animation button
- v1.0: Basic GUI with parameter inputs, flow graphs, and animation export
- v1.1: Model optimization (runtime reduced to 11%)
- v1.2: Added outlet channel, removed grid from video, added droplet count plot
- v1.3: Internal parameter clarification
- License errors: Ensure VPN is active or wait for license availability
- Simulation errors: Validate input parameters and ensure sufficient RAM/disk
- Other issues: Refer to COMSOL Documentation
To access the full COMSOL model:
- Open COMSOL 5.6+
- Use File → Open to load the
.mphfile - Modify model geometry, physics, or mesh as needed
Developed by Nafisat Gyimah and Tamas Pardy
TalTech Lab-on-a-Chip & Microfluidics