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Aspect Ratio Influence on Flow Focusing in Cross Microchannels

The present study is concerned with the flow dynamics inside a cross shaped microfluidic device with three inlets and one outlet. The goal of the paper is to determine the influence that the aspect ratio can have on the hydrodynamic focusing phenomenon, depending on the microchannel geometry and input flow parameters. The experimental investigations were performed using PDMS microchannels. The cross section of the microgeometries under consideration is rectangular. Three aspect ratios (100x100 m, 200x100 m and 200x50 m, AR = h / w) were examined. The flow was controlled by a syringe pump. At the main inlet the flow rate was maintained constant and the stream patterns were analyzed by increasing the flow rate on the lateral perpendicular branches. The flow visualizations are focused on the evolution of the focused stream in the area of the junction. The main jet evolution was quantified as function of the ratio of the Reynolds numbers on the perpendicular inlets.

Author(s):

Iulia Rodica DAMIAN    
University Politehnica of Bucharest
Romania

Nicoleta Octavia TANASE    
University Politehnica of Bucharest
Romania

Corneliu BALAN    
University Politehnica of Bucharest
Romania