Abstract

Some Recent Progress in Elasticity-based Nonlinear Microfluidics

Xia Huanming, Professor, Nanjing University of Science and Technology

As the nonlinear fluid inertia becomes less important in microfluidic devices, the flow usually falls in the stable laminar flow regime. This could be problematic for certain applications. One approach to modify the flow is to integrate some elastic structures, which deform under hydrodynamic forces and thus play the role of a pressure-variant fluidic resistor. This increased nonlinearity of the flow can lead to instabilities even at low Reynolds numbers, and this is important in view of the fact that turbulence is typically absent in microfluidics. Relevant applications include self-regulating flow controls, fluid mixing enhancement, etc. In this presentation, I will introduce some of our recent work on such elasticity-based nonlinear microfluidics, including device designs, theoretical analysis, modeling and test. Focusing on the hydroelastic microfluidic oscillator as a typical example, its instability mechanism, dynamical characteristics and key influencing factors, as well as potential applications will be discussed.