A hybrid molecular continuum method using point wise coupling

Over the past decade, advances in micro and nanofluidics, have influenced a range of areas spanning from chemistry to semiconductor design. The phenomena observed at micro- and nano-scales are characterised by their inherent multiscale nature. Accurate numerical modelling of these phenomena is the cornerstone to enhance the applicability of micro and nanofluidics in the industrial environment. In this paper a novel multiscale approach, in the hybrid continuum-molecular framework, is presented. In this approach molecular models are employed as refinement for calculating data required by the continuum solver. The method has been applied to a number of test cases including Couette flows with slip boundary conditions, Couette flows with roughness and Poiseuille flows of polymeric fluids. (C) 2010 Civil-Comp Ltd and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.