TJ312 : Fluid flow in a micro channel using Nonlinear Electrokinetics
Thesis > Central Library of Shahrood University > Mechanical Engineering > MSc > 2015
Authors:
Abstarct: Mixing is an important step in many sequential assays particularly in the field of
biomedical and chemical. In micro channels the Reynolds number is much less than one
(Re<<1). Therefore, the mixing process in micro-systems (in the absence of any
agitating force) only relies on diffusion which usually needs a very long time to achieve
good results, and in most cases it fails. Several methods have been developed to enhance
mixing in micro-systems, some of which are baxsed on complicated geometries, require
special fabrication, or need mechanical parts to be added in to the system.
In this project we introduced a novel micro-mixer which works baxsed on pressure driven
flow and induced charge electrokinetics (ICEK). Two main streams enter the inlet of
the main micro channel as a result of pressure gradient that is applied to the inlet and
outlet of the main-channel. The goal of this system is well-mixing these two main fluids.
The main-channel is surrounded by two side-channels (which are contentiously filled
with electrolyte) and electric filed is applied to the ends of these side-channels. Two
conducting hurdles are embedded on the upper walls of these side-channels. At that
area, on the interface wall of each side-channel and main channel, a flexible membrane
is placed. These membranes can move towards the middle of main-channel to control
the flow rate and boost mixing. Once the eclectic filed is applied, induced vortices form
around the conducting hurdles and apply repealing force to the membranes, and push it
forward; thus, the cross section of the main-channel changes. Applying time-varying
electric field to the system causes pulse motion in membrane displacement. We have
shown that this motion enhances the mixing process and improves the homogeneity of
the mixture at the outlet of the proposed micro-mixer.
We have investigated the effect of electric field, applied pressure, location and height
of the hurdles, elasticity of the membrane on the efficiency of our mixer. Also, this
micro-mixer has been tested for a case with several conducting hurdles and results show
that increasing the number of conducting hurdles will improve the mixing results.
Keywords:
#Mixing - induced charge electrokinetics (ICEK) - electric field - hurdle
Keeping place: Central Library of Shahrood University
Visitor:
Keeping place: Central Library of Shahrood University
Visitor: