Description:The deformation and motion of a liquid drop on a solid
surface in response to an external driving force is hindered by pinning of triple contact
line. A better understanding of the mechanisms and limitations of electrowetting is
warranted for design and optimization of active micro-/nanoscale systems. Modulation of
hydrodynamic interactions via surface structures may contribute to the adhesion and
locomotion mechanisms employed by tree frogs under flooded conditions: a better
understanding of which will facilitate design of biomimetic systems inspired by the same.
This thesis summarizes the results of investigation of the mechanisms and limitations of
electrowetting (electrowetting on dielectric and potential-induced molecular
reorganization) and the hydrodynamic interactions in the presence of draining channels.