Thermofluidic Transport in Droplets under Electromagnetic Stimulus: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

In the vast expanse and scope of fluid mechanics, thermal
and species transport, droplets have carved out an important niche
for themselves. These microscopic fluid entities, bounded to shape by
surface tension and/or interfacial forces, play important roles in variant
capacities in the physical world, biological systems as well as manmade
technological applications. Thereby, understanding of droplet
dynamics is an essential area in research and development. To add to
the complexity of interfacial thermofluidic transport in droplets, presence
of electric and/or magnetic fields yields interesting and rich physics to
the problem. Additionally, such field-induced transport in droplets has
found applications in several systems, ranging from macro- to microscale.
Consequently, research on the physics of thermofluidic transport
in the presence of electromagnetic stimulus has gained wide attention
in the academic community. The present article discusses the present
status of research, development and knowledge base on the topic. The
physics of the problem, scope and extent of work realized by the academic
community till date, potential applications and future directions
have been discussed in an effort to provide a comprehensive review.
The article shall be able to provide the readers a precis of the research
and developmental work in the field thus far and acquaint them with an
idea of the path ahead.