Density oscillation from nanoscale to macroscale

The effect of channel width on the density structure of confined fluid in the nano-/micro-channels is examined by equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) simulation. It was found that the density oscillation occurs near the wall in both cases of the macroscale or nanoscale confined flow. There exists a threshold channel width Lthreshold, when channel width H < Lthreshold, density oscillates throughout the channel. When H > Lthreshold, Lthresholdis constant and about 5-6 molecular diameter long, and the density becomes uniform beyond this threshold layer. A newly defined ch number may serve to be the parameter to compare similarity in the micro-/nano-scale channel flow. Moreover, the effect of the density oscillation on fluid mass flux rate is examined quantitatively. The result shows that the effect should be considered when the channel width is below 5 molecular diameter.