Optimization of flow-focusing devices for homogeneous extensional flow

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2018

Autores

Pimenta, F (Autor) Outra; Sousa, RG (Autor) Outra; Alves, MA (Autor) FEUP

Revista

Título: Biomicrofluidics

Vol. 12

ISSN: 1932-1058

Editora: American Institute of Physics

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citações

Scopus - 4 Citações

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-00P-NV6

DOI: 10.1063/1.5037472

Abstract (EN): the purpose of creating a wide region of homogeneous extensional flow, characterized by a uniform strain-rate along the centerline of the devices. The numerical routines employed include an optimizer, a finite-volume solver, and a mesh generator operating on geometries with the walls parameterized by Bezier curves. The optimizations are carried out for devices with different geometric characteristics (channel aspect ratio and length). The performance of the optimized devices is assessed for varying Reynolds numbers, velocity ratio between streams, and fluid rheology. Brownian dynamics simulations are also performed to evaluate the stretching and relaxation of lambda-DNA molecules in the devices. Overall, the optimized flow-focusing devices generate a homogeneous extensional flow over a range of conditions typically found in microfluidics. At high Weissenberg numbers, the extension of lambda-DNA molecules in the optimized flow-focusing devices is close to that obtained in an ideal planar extensional flow with an equivalent Hencky strain. The devices presented in this study can be useful in microfluidic applications taking advantage of homogeneous extensional flows and easy control of the Hencky strain and strainrate. Published by AIP Publishing.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 24