Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/6739
Title: Extensional flow of Newtonian and Boger fluids through a flow focusing microdevice
Authors: Oliveira, MSN
Pinho, FT
Alves, MA
3rd Micro and Nano Flows Conference (MNF2011)
Keywords: Microfluidics;Flow-focusing;Viscoelasticity;Boger fluids;Elastic instabilities;Free vortices
Issue Date: 2011
Publisher: Brunel University
Citation: 3rd Micro and Nano Flows Conference, Thessaloniki, Greece, 22-24 August 2011
Abstract: In this work we perform a numerical and experimental study on the flow of Newtonian and viscoelastic fluids through a microfluidic device in which hydrodynamic flow focusing is produced using two balanced lateral sheath streams that shape a third inlet stream. The flow focusing device used was conceived to achieve a nearly constant extensional rate along the centerline and is shaped much like a conventional cross-slot except for comprising three inlets and one exit channel. The work undertaken comprises experimental flow visualization as well as 2D and 3D numerical calculations using a finite volume method. The Newtonian fluid used in the experiments was distilled water and the viscoelastic fluid was an aqueous solution containing 125 ppm (w/w) of polyacrylamide (PAA, Mw = 18×10(6) g/mol), to which 1% of salt (NaCl) was added. The addition of salt to a shear-thinning PAA solution resulted in a low viscosity Boger fluid, i.e., a viscoelastic fluid with a nearly constant viscosity. The combination of small length scales characteristic of microfluidics with this type of fluid allows us to observe strong elastic effects in the absence of shear-thinning and inertial effects (or at least when these effects are weak). We report a rich variety of flow features, which depend on the fluid used as well as on the operational conditions. Additionally, we show good qualitative agreement between the experimental observations and the numerical predictions.
Description: This paper was presented at the 3rd Micro and Nano Flows Conference (MNF2011), which was held at the Makedonia Palace Hotel, Thessaloniki in Greece. The conference was organised by Brunel University and supported by the Italian Union of Thermofluiddynamics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University of Thessaly, IPEM, the Process Intensification Network, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Heat Transfer Society, HEXAG - the Heat Exchange Action Group, and the Energy Institute.
URI: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/6739
ISBN: 978-1-902316-98-7
Appears in Collections:Brunel Institute for Bioengineering (BIB)
The Brunel Collection

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