Optimization of a pulsed source-sink micromixing device
Cola, Baratunde Aole
:
2004-12-07
Abstract
The optimization of a pulsed source-sink micromixing device (PSSMD) is presented in this thesis. In particular the behavior of pulsed source-sink pairs activated to produce mixing in a thin rectangular chamber is characterized. The goals of this study are to numerically and experimentally characterize the mixing trends within the rectangular chamber throughout a range of pulse volumes, which are based on a percentage of the total chamber volume. This study seeks to establish a numerical model that gives useful information about the mixing in a ‘real-life’ pulsed source-sink system.
As part of this thesis the PSSMD is modified to provide improved structural integrity to the device, allowing for a more consistent chamber volume. The PSSMD is also modified to allow for easier assembly, faster setup, and more reliable experimentation.
As a result of the work done in this thesis, it is shown that the numerical model presented in this thesis provides useful information about the mixing behavior in a ‘real-life’ pulsed source-sink micromixing device, and it may be adequate in itself for the optimization of such a device.