Mixing Enhancement of Newtonian Liquids in a Curvature Induced Split and Recombine Micromixer

Abstract

The influence of a curvature induced flow path in the form of a split and recombine microchannel is studied and compared with the output of a straight type micromixer. The mixing efficiency of ethanol into water is analyzed for diffusion dominated flows. Apart from parametric variations, the Dean flow analysis at different locations of the channels showed higher capability of the curvature induced geometries. The aspect of layer mixing is also examined by the strength of the expansion or contraction along the flow path, which signifies the effect of curvature upon the extent of mixing. Mixing efficiency as high as 94% has been achieved for the elliptical type of micromixer. Additionally, the influence of curvature toward the gradual increase and enhancement of mixing has been demonstrated with the gradual increase of the area of contact available in the split and recombine sections.