Development of a general method for obtaining the geometry of microfluidic networks

Abstract

In the present study, a general method for geometry of fluidic networks is developed with emphasis on pressure-driven flows in the microfluidic applications. The design method is based on general features of network's geometry such as cross-sectional area and length of channels. Also, the method is applicable to various cross-sectional shapes such as circular, rectangular, triangular, and trapezoidal cross sections. Using constructal theory, the flow resistance, energy loss and performance of the network are optimized. Also, by this method, practical design strategies for the fabrication of microfluidic networks can be improved. The design method enables rapid prediction of fluid flow in the complex network of channels and is very useful for improving proper miniaturization and integration of microfluidic networks. Minimization of flow resistance of the network of channels leads to universal constants for consecutive cross-sectional areas and lengths. For a Y-shaped network, the optimal ratios of consecutive cross-section areas (Ai+1/Ai) and lengths (Li+1/Li) are obtained as Ai+1/Ai = 2−2/3 and Li+1/Li = 2−1/3, respectively. It is shown that energy loss in the network is proportional to the volume of network. It is also seen when the number of channels is increased both the hydraulic resistance and the volume occupied by the network are increased in a similar manner. Furthermore, the method offers that fabrication of multi-depth and multi-width microchannels should be considered as an integral part of designing procedures. Finally, numerical simulations for the fluid flow in the network have been performed and results show very good agreement with analytic results.

Entrance-length dendritic plate heat exchangers

“…(18), (19), (23), (29) and (30), and writing that for a channel between parallel plates the friction factor is f ¼ 24=Re D h . The inequality (50) becomes…”

“…(21) and (23). The validity domain of the simplifying assumptions, X ) a, and H ) c, will be discussed at the end of Section 5.…”

“…Advances are published regularly for heat exchangers [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13], fuel cells [14], fluid networks [15][16][17][18][19][20], steam generators [21,22], fluid channels [23][24][25][26][27], energy storage [28], transportation [29][30][31][32], power generation [33][34][35][36][37], and management [38].…”

Minireview on Fluid Manipulation Techniques for the Synthesis and Energy Applications of Two-Dimensional MXenes: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives

“…1,2 The development of devices utilizing fluid flow and pressure in circuits akin to electronic devices is the focus of this area of engineering and technology. 3,4 Through the interplay of fluid (liquid or gas) streams, this technology enables sensing, processing, and regulating capabilities using fluid power. As a result, fluidics can carry out these tasks without using any mechanical moving parts.…”

Numerical design and optimization of hydraulic resistance and wall shear stress inside pressure-driven microfluidic networks

“…Razavi et al investigated the geometry of microfluidic networks numerically. 14,15 The model used constructal theory to optimize the performance of the network for different design parameters including cross-sectional areas, length of microfluidic channels, and shapes of the cross-section. The results from their model were in good agreement with Murray's law.…”