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Measuring flow velocity distribution in microchannels using molecular tracers

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Abstract

We demonstrate the capability of a molecular tracer based laser induced fluorescence photobleaching anemometer for measuring fluid velocity profile in microfluidics. To validate the feasibility and accuracy of this measurement system, the velocity profiles of the cylindrical and rectangular microchannels are measured, respectively. We compare our experimental results with theoretical prediction. The theoretical prediction shows a good consistency with practical measurement results. The spatial resolutions are analyzed and validated. Finally, the error source of the presented system is analyzed, which makes it possible to compensate some error quantitatively and guides the application of this system.

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Acknowledgment

This work was financially supported by the startup funding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA

    Cuifang Kuang, Wei Zhao, Fang Yang & Guiren Wang

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  1. Cuifang Kuang
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  2. Wei Zhao
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  3. Fang Yang
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  4. Guiren Wang
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Correspondence to Guiren Wang.

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Kuang, C., Zhao, W., Yang, F. et al. Measuring flow velocity distribution in microchannels using molecular tracers. Microfluid Nanofluid 7, 509 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-009-0411-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-009-0411-z

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