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Mapping low-Reynolds-number microcavity flows using microfluidic screening devices

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Abstract

Low-Reynolds-number flows in cavities, characterized by separating and recirculating flows are increasingly used in microfluidic applications such as mixing and sorting of fluids, cells, or particles. However, there is still a lack of guidelines available for selecting the appropriate or optimized microcavity configuration according to the specific task at hand. In an effort to provide accurate design guidelines, we investigate quantitatively low-Reynolds-number cavity flow phenomena using a microfluidic screening platform featuring rectangular channels lined with cylindrical cavities. Using particle image velocimetry (PIV), supported by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, we map the entire spectrum of flows that exist in microcavities over a wide range of low-Reynolds numbers (Re = 0.1, 1, and 10) and dimensionless geometric parameters. Comprehensive phase diagrams of the corresponding microcavity flow regimes are summarized, capturing the gradual transition from attached flow to a single vortex and crossing through two- and three-vortex recirculating systems featuring saddle-points. Finally, we provide design insights into maximizing the rotational frequencies of recirculating single-vortex microcavity systems. Overall, our results provide a complete and quantitative framework for selecting cavities in microfluidic-based microcentrifuges and vortex mixers.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank P. Hofemeier and Prof. M. Bercovici for helpful discussions. This study was supported in part by the European Commission (FP7 Program) through a Career Integration Grant (PCIG09-GA-2011-293604), the Israel Science Foundation (Grant nr. 990/12), and a Horev Fellowship (Leaders of Science and Technology Program, Technion). Dr. M. K. Mulligan was supported in part by a Technion postdoctoral fellowship. Microfabrication was conducted in the Micro Nano Fabrication Unit at the Technion.

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  1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, 32000, Haifa, Israel

    Rami Fishler, Molly K. Mulligan & Josué Sznitman

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  1. Rami Fishler
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  2. Molly K. Mulligan
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  3. Josué Sznitman
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Correspondence to Josué Sznitman.

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Fishler, R., Mulligan, M.K. & Sznitman, J. Mapping low-Reynolds-number microcavity flows using microfluidic screening devices. Microfluid Nanofluid 15, 491–500 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-013-1166-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-013-1166-0

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