Mixing in a T-type micromixer at high Reynolds numbers

Abstract

Flow regimes and mixing performance in a T-type micromixer at high Reynolds numbers were studied by numerical solution of the Navier–Stokes equations. The Reynolds number was varied from one to one thousand. The cross section of the mixing channel was 100 μm×200 μm, and its length was 1400 μm. The transverse inlet channels were symmetric about the mixing channel, and their cross-section was 100 μm×100 μm, and the total length was 800 μm. Five different flow regimes were identified: (i) stationary vortex-free flow (Re < 5); (ii) stationary symmetric vortex flow with two horseshoe vortices (5 < Re < 150); (iii) stationary asymmetric vortex flow (150 < Re < 240); (iv) nonstationary periodic flow (240 < Re < 400); (v) stochastic flow (Re>400). Maximum mixing efficiency was obtained for stationary asymmetric vortex flow. In this case, an S-shaped vortex structure formed in the flow field. The effect of the slip conditions on the flow pattern and mixing efficiency are studied.