Abstract
In this paper the magnetic nanoparticle aggregation procedure in a microchannel in the presence of external magnetic field is investigated. The main goal of the work was to establish a numerical model, capable of predicting the shape of the nanoparticle aggregate in a magnetic field without extreme computational demands. To that end, a specialized two-phase CFD model and solver has been created with the open source CFD software OpenFOAM. The model relies on the supposed microstucture of the aggregate consisting of particle chains parallel to the magnetic field. First, the microstructure was investigated with a micro-domain model. Based on the theoretical model of the particle chain and the results of the micro-domain model, a two-phase CFD model and solver were created. After this, the nanoparticle aggregation in a microchannel in the field of a magnet was modeled with the solver at different flow rates. Measurements with a microfluidic device were performed to verify the simulation results. The impact of the aggregate on the channel heat transfer was also investigated.
Highlights
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are magnetizable nanosized (1–500 nm) objects with various shapes
In this article we present a new two-phase CFD model capable of predicting the shape of the magnetic nanoparticle aggregate in case of a given fluid flow and a magnetic field
In the following we focus on the particle chain which is placed in a fluid flow with homogeneous strain rate
Summary
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are magnetizable nanosized (1–500 nm) objects with various shapes These particles are utilized broadly in biomedical applications, including drug delivery; hyperthermia treatment; MRI as contrast agents; chemical reaction enhancement with microreactors; contaminant removal for sewage treatment; and microfluidic cooling. These applications utilize various advantageous features of the MNPs, e.g., the high surface-to-volume ratio, the controllability with external magnetic field, the non-toxicity of the coating and the selective heat absorption against the alternating magnetic field. In other applications the catalyst coated MNP is magnetically anchored in a flow-through reactor [2,3,4] In this setting the chemical reaction is continuous; it can be parallelized and scaled according to demands. In [5] it is presented that when the microreactor is not fully packed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
