Analysis of mixing in a helical microchannel
Pravat Rajbanshi, A. K. Ghatak
Abstract
Examining fluid flow inside a monolithic, three-dimensionally oriented, microfluidic channel is experimentally challenging because it does not permit a laser sheet to be effectively applied; tracking microscopic tracer particles is difficult; and monolithic construction prevents access to any material inside. We overcome these problems with an approach which captures the flow both along the channel axis and in a plane perpendicular to it, yet lets us capture the flow pattern over a wide Reynolds number range. Our observations corroborate results from flow simulations.
Topics & Concepts
MicrochannelReynolds numberPerpendicularMicrofluidicsMechanicsMixing (physics)Flow (mathematics)Plane (geometry)Tracking (education)Range (aeronautics)Channel (broadcasting)Materials scienceOpen-channel flowFluid dynamicsTRACEROpticsPhysicsGeometryComputer scienceNanotechnologyComposite materialMathematicsTurbulenceTelecommunicationsPsychologyQuantum mechanicsNuclear physicsPedagogyMicrofluidic and Capillary Electrophoresis ApplicationsMicrofluidic and Bio-sensing TechnologiesInnovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation