Grumann M., Dobmeier M., Schippers P., Brenner T., Zengerle R., Ducrée J.
IMTEK, University of Freiburg, DE
Keywords: 2-phase flow, bead aggregation, microfluidics, monolayer, porous media
In this paper we for the first time adopt the model of porous media to simulate the complete course of the formation of monolayers from bead suspensions in a flat microfluidic chamber. The chambers are flat enough to enforce monolayer formation and the beads are confined by geometrical constrictions which sieve the beads from a pressure-driven flow through the chamber. The aggregation pattern of the beads impacts the trajectory of subsequently incoming beads. By modelling the previously aggregated beads with zones of porous media, we can drastically reduce the degrees of freedom in a two-phase, multi-particle problem. This way, we are able to compute stationary hydrodynamic flow patterns in the chamber. In an iterative master routine, these stationary solutions are taken as initial conditions for the next step. At the end of each iteration step, the aggregation pattern is extended according to the points where the newly added beads have settled down.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2004 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: March 7, 2004
Pages: 383 - 386
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: MEMS & NEMS Devices, Modeling & Applications
ISBN: 0-9728422-8-4