Tuesday, 1 November 2005 - 1:15 PM
222b

Towards the Design of High Efficiency, Passive Microfluidic Mixers

Joel P. Golden1, Peter B. Howell1, David R. Mott2, Carolyn R. Kaplan3, Elaine S. Oran2, and Frances S. Ligler1. (1) 6900, Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Avenue, Washington, DC 20375, (2) 6404, Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Avenue, Washington, DC 20375, (3) 6410, Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Avenue, Washington, DC 20375

Through a combination of computational fluid dynamics and rapid prototyping, we have developed various designs of mixers for millifluidic and microfluidic applications. Two designs will be presented: a mixer based on the Dean vortex, and a groove-based (surface-patterned) mixer. The Dean-based mixer has a low surface area-to-volume ratio, reducing the risk of fouling, but requires a high flow rate to operate. The groove-based mixer has a higher surface area, but operates over a wide range of flow conditions. In the process of developing these mixers, we have gained a deeper understanding of how to control the movement of the fluid streams within the channel. We are developing designs that will improve mixing in shorter path lengths.

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