Transport phenomena in the thin-film region of a micro-channel

A mathematical model to predict the flow and heat transfer characteristics for a thin film region of a micro-channel is proposed. Gradient of the vapor pressure and the capillary force are considered. The effects of channel height, heat flux and slip boundary condition at the solid–liquid interface are investigated. The length of the thin film region is calculated by comparing the magnitude of the capillary and disjoining pressures. The length and the thickness of the thin film region decrease exponentially with increasing heat flux. The channel height has no effect on the shape of film thickness. In the case of slip condition, the decreased film thickness causes the capillary and disjoining pressures to increase.