2-D simulations of electromigration processes

Abstract

6 Abstract In the presented thesis we introduce a computational model that can be used for 2-D and 3-D computer simulations of experiments in electrophoresis. The simulations are carried out by the aid of the finite element method (FEM). In particular, commercially available program Comsol Multiphysics 3.3 is employed. A general shape of continuity equation is chosen to express the mass, electric charge, momentum and energy conservation law. Diffusion, migration and convection terms are taken into account when formulating the mass conservation law. Both external (driving voltage) and internal (diffusion currents) terms are considered in the electric charge conservation law. Both constant voltage mode and constant current mode can be handled. A solvent is regarded as an incompressible Newtonian fluid. Both pressure-driven and electroosmotic flows can be taken into consideration. The heat convection as well as the heat diffusion is governed by the energy conservation law. Both strong and weak electrolytes (of any attainable valency) may be regarded as system constituents. Furthermore, the model can handle the ionic strength correction if desired. A task may be assigned either in Cartesian or cylindrical coordinates. The presented model was employed to solve four particular tasks. The first one inspects the...