Particle Segregation and Dynamics in Confined Flows

Abstract

Nonlinearity in finite-Reynolds-number flow results in particle migration transverse to fluid streamlines, producing the well-known “tubular pinch effect” in cylindrical pipes. Here we investigate these nonlinear effects in highly confined systems where the particle size approaches the channel dimensions. Experimental and numerical results reveal distinctive dynamics, including complex scaling of lift forces with channel and particle geometry. The unique behavior described in this Letter has broad implications for confined particulate flows.

On the variety of particle accumulation structures under the effect of g-jitters

“…Beyond practical applications, it is rather clear that these problems also exert an appeal on researchers and scientists as a consequence of the complexity of the possible stages of evolution, of the non-linear behavior and because these organized particle structures are aesthetically and philosophically pleasing as well as irresistible to theoretical physicists (Balkovsky et al, 2001;Saw et al, 2008;Di Carlo et al, 2009). Moreover, the fact that strikingly well-ordered and similar phenomena are found also in other systems (not just physical, but also chemical and biological systems; see, e.g., Carotenuto et al, 2002;Lappa, 2003b and2011), indicates that these subjects really stand at the intersection of many scientific branches (which make them a multi-domain field of investigations and a truly interdisciplinary science).…”

Size-Based Separation of Particles and Cells Utilizing Viscoelastic Effects in Straight Microchannels

“…The last decade has seen extensive development of microfluidic approaches for particle/cell manipulation that resort to immunocapture, 7 externally applied physical fields, [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] microfiltration, 19,20 gravitational sedimentation, 21 or deterministic lateral migration. 22,23 More recently, cross-streamline migration induced by the hydrodynamic effects of carrier media, such as inertia 24,25 and viscoelasticity, 26,27 has shown its promise for effective particle/cell manipulation without need of labeling and external force fields. Particles and cells can be separated based on the size-dependent nature of hydrodynamic forces.…”

Crystal Population Growth in a Continuous Helically Coiled Flow Tube Crystallizer

“…The Segre-Silberberg effect can potentially lead to a distributed RT because of the arrangement of the particles in a line. Later, the Segre-Silberberg effect was observed by Di Carlo et al in a rectangular cross-section microchannel [22]. In their work, the particle velocities were largely independent of particle size and only the rotational velocity was affected by size.…”