Abstract
A numerical investigation of the mixing performance and fluid flow in a new split and recombine (SAR) Y−Uβ micromixer is presented in this work. A parameter called connecting angle βis varied from 0° to 90° to analyze the effect on the SAR process and mixing performance. Thenumerical data shows that the SAR process strongly depends on the connecting angle (β) and maximum efficiency (93%) can be achieved when the value of β is 45°. The Y−U45° the mixer also offers higher efficiency and lower pressure drop than a known SAR ‘H−C’ mixer irrespective of Reynolds numbers. The split and recombine process, the influence of secondary flow, and pressure drop characteristics at various Reynolds numbers are also studied. In addition, mixing effectiveness is also computed, and among all examined mixers, Y−U45° is by far the best performing one.
Highlights
There is a good match between numerical results and experimental values; the variation is less than 5% which is acceptable to continue the present numerical method for further analysis
The proposed split and recombine (SAR) mixer consists of four identical elements that are connected one after another
Each element makes an angle with X-axis which are denoted by α and β
Summary
On a micro-scale, a micromixer mixes fluids independent of their characteristics and nature, such as density, viscosity, and surface tension. The uses of micromixers and microreactors are increasing day by day in various applications such as chemical processes, biological reactions, medication discovery and distribution, medical diagnosis, chemical synthesis, and the food industry, etc. Other advantages of employing micromixers include a repeatable environment and the ability to use them for a variety of biological applications ranging from nucleic acid and protein analysis to medication development and delivery [7]. Molecular diffusion is the main mechanism of the mixing process inside the microchannels. To achieve acceptable mixing performance, a significant channel length and time duration are required [8]
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