Hydrodynamic dispersion in narrow microchannels: Shape matters!

Armand Ajdari, Nathalie Bontoux, Howard A. Stone

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

We highlight the fact that hydrodynamic dispersion in narrow microchannels is essentially controlled by the width of the cross-section rather than by the much thinner height of the channel. Using the lubrication approximation, we provide simple formulas that allow quantitative evaluation of dispersion for any narrow cross-sectional shape, both in the short-time "ballistic regime" and in the long-time regime, which is effectively diffusive. The special cases of parabolic and quasi-rectangular shapes are considered due to their frequent use in microsystems.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication05AIChE
Subtitle of host publication2005 AIChE Annual Meeting and Fall Showcase, Conference Proceedings
Number of pages1
StatePublished - Dec 1 2005
Event05AIChE: 2005 AIChE Annual Meeting and Fall Showcase - Cincinnati, OH, United States
Duration: Oct 30 2005Nov 4 2005

Other

Other05AIChE: 2005 AIChE Annual Meeting and Fall Showcase
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCincinnati, OH
Period10/30/0511/4/05

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Engineering(all)

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