What are fluid resistance effects in microfludics?5 answersFluid resistance effects in microfluidics are influenced by various factors. The shape of the cross-sectional area of microchannels does not significantly impact fluid resistance, but hydrophilic and rough inner surfaces increase resistance. In complex microfluidic networks, start-up energy losses can lead to reduced flow rates, affecting the performance of devices like T-junctions and serpentine channels. Anisotropic coupling in molecularly ordered fluids allows for passive and active modulation of flow resistance within microchannels, enabling the creation of complex resistance networks without additional design complexities. Additionally, controlling relative flow resistance is utilized for actuating microfluidic logical gates, showcasing the flexibility of altering flow resistance for creating fluid-based micro-operators.
How can microfluidics and numerical simulations be used to study the flow of fluids?5 answersMicrofluidics and numerical simulations are used to study the flow of fluids by providing insights into the underlying physics and facilitating a comprehensive understanding of fluid behavior. Computational approaches, such as direct numerical simulation and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, are utilized to assess the effects of various parameters on fluid flow. These simulations help in understanding the migration behavior of particles in microchannels, the synthesis of nanoparticles with desired properties, and the optimization of microfluidic and millifluidic devices. Additionally, numerical simulations are used to study the flow behaviors inside microfluidic and millifluidic systems, analyze the dependency of slug sizes on geometric dimensions, and quantify the mixing efficiency. The simulations also enable the investigation of flow kinematics in diverging microchannels and the variations in the flow field in different channel geometries. Overall, microfluidics and numerical simulations provide a powerful tool for studying fluid flow and optimizing the design and operations of microfluidic systems.
How to analyze flow boiling in microchannel numerically?5 answersFlow boiling in microchannels can be analyzed numerically using various methods. One approach is to use the volume of fluid (VOF) model to simulate the flow boiling process and investigate its thermal-hydraulic performance. Another method involves solving the Navier-Stokes equations along with continuity and energy equations using the SIMPLER method, and capturing the liquid-vapor interface using the level set technique. Additionally, a VOF-based numerical model can be established to characterize microchannel flow boiling under both static and rolling conditions, with the additional force induced by rolling motion loaded via a user-defined function (UDF). Another numerical approach is to adopt a hybrid multiphase lattice Boltzmann model to investigate the flow boiling heat transfer process in a horizontal microchannel, considering bubble dynamics and varying the heat flux to reproduce different flow patterns. Finally, flow boiling simulations can be carried out using the VOF model in cobweb-shaped microchannels to enhance heat transfer performance and reduce wall temperature.
What are the master eliminating methods for generating microfluidic channels?5 answersThere are several methods for generating microfluidic channels without the need for masters. One method involves using a cutting-plotter machine to cut commercially available water-soluble starch sheets into channels, which can then be used as a master mold for the devices. Another method is mechanical micromachining, where micro-scale milling tools are used to fabricate semi-circular patterns on metallic surfaces, which are then transferred to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) through a reverse molding process. Femtosecond laser irradiation and chemical etching (FLICE) is another technique that allows for the fabrication of directly buried microchannels with various aspect ratios, without the need for multiple layers of glass substrates. These methods provide alternatives to traditional lithographic and chemical-etching techniques for generating microfluidic channels.
How microchannels or nozzles are used to process milk?5 answersMicrochannels and nozzles are used in the processing of milk in various ways. One application is the modification of milk composition using membrane processes such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and electrodialysis. These membrane processes can be operated on an industrial scale and have advanced significantly in the past 25 years. Another use of microchannels in milk processing is for effective mixing in Lab on a chip devices. Microchannels with obstacles are commonly used to achieve efficient mixing. Additionally, the nozzles of aseptic filling machines play a crucial role in the processing of extended shelf life (ESL) milk. Bacteria, such as Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Paenibacillus spp., can attach to the nozzles and contaminate the final ESL milk product during the filling process.
What factors influence the fluid to flow in microchannel?4 answersThe factors that influence fluid flow in microchannels include geometric parameters such as convergence-divergence angle, width ratio, length, aspect ratio, and Reynolds number. Additionally, the presence of an electric field can actuate flow in a tapered microchannel. The geometry of the microchannel, specifically the fin axial length ratio, width ratio, and height ratio, also affects flow and heat transfer characteristics. In the case of curved microchannels, the presence of secondary flow and better fluid mixing contribute to enhanced heat dissipation and flow performance. Furthermore, the presence of thermal radiation, viscous heating, and boundary conditions such as no-slip velocity and convective heating can affect fluid flow in porous vertical microchannels.