scholarly journals Deformation of Microchannels Embedded in an Elastic Medium

2018 ◽  
Vol 85 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek Ramachandran ◽  
Carmel Majidi
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Medium ◽  
Soft Matter ◽  
Numerical Solutions ◽  
Mechanical Load ◽  
Applied Pressure ◽  
Channel Cross Section ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Microfluidic Channels ◽  
Linear Superposition ◽  
Cross Sectional

The deformation of microfluidic channels in a soft elastic medium has a central role in the operation of lab-on-a-chip devices, fluidic soft robots, liquid metal (LM) electronics, and other emerging soft-matter technologies. Understanding the influence of mechanical load on changes in channel cross section is essential for designing systems that either avoid channel collapse or exploit such collapse to control fluid flow and connectivity. In this paper, we examine the deformation of microchannel cross sections under far-field compressive stress and derive a “gauge factor” that relates externally applied pressure with change in cross-sectional area. We treat the surrounding elastomer as a Hookean solid and use two-dimensional plane strain elasticity, which has previously been shown to predict microchannel deformations that are in good agreement with experimental measurements. Numerical solutions to the governing Lamé (Navier) equations are found to match both the analytic solutions obtained from a complex stress function and closed-form algebraic approximations based on linear superposition. The application of this theory to soft microfluidics is demonstrated for several representative channel geometries.

scholarly journals A Tension/Pressure Integrated Resistive Sensor Comprising of a PDMS-LC-MWCNT Composite

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6078
Author(s):  
Miao Luo ◽  
Yumeng Zhang ◽  
Yuxiang Luo ◽  
Jiangang Lu
Keyword(s):  
Tensile Force ◽  
Applied Pressure ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Integrated Sensor ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pdms Elastomer ◽  
Resistive Sensor ◽  
Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Flexible Strain Sensor ◽  
Walled Carbon Nanotubes

A flexible strain sensor which integrates both pressure sensing and tension sensing functions is demonstrated with an active layer comprising of polydimethy-lsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer, liquid crystal (LC), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The introduction of LC improves the agglomeration of MWCNTs in PDMS and decreases Young’s modulus of flexible resistive sensors. The tension/pressure integrated resistive sensor not only shows a broad tensile sensing range of 140% strain but also shows a good sensitivity of the gauge factor, 40, with tensile force. Besides, the tension/pressure integrated resistive sensor also shows good linearity and sensitivity under pressure. The resistance of the pressure sensor increases as the applied pressure increases because of the decrease in the cross-sectional area of the path. The sensor also shows good hydrophobic properties which may help it to work under complex environment. The tension/pressure integrated sensor shows great promising applications in electronic skins and wearable devices.

scholarly journals Numerical and Theoretical Study of Performance and Mechanical Behavior of PEM-FC Using Innovative Channel Geometrical Configurations

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 5597
Author(s):  
Hussein A. Z. AL-bonsrulah ◽  
Mohammed J. Alshukri ◽  
Ammar I. Alsabery ◽  
Ishak Hashim
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Rectangular Channel ◽  
Compressive Load ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Channel Cross Section ◽  
Channel Height ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Triangular Channel ◽  
Higher Power

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEM-FC) aggregation pressure causes extensive strains in cell segments. The compression of each segment takes place through the cell modeling method. In addition, a very heterogeneous compressive load is produced because of the recurrent channel rib design of the dipole plates, so that while high strains are provided below the rib, the domain continues in its initial uncompressed case under the ducts approximate to it. This leads to significant spatial variations in thermal and electrical connections and contact resistances (both in rib–GDL and membrane–GDL interfaces). Variations in heat, charge, and mass transfer rates within the GDL can affect the performance of the fuel cell (FC) and its lifetime. In this paper, two scenarios are considered to verify the performance and lifetime of the PEM-FC using different innovative channel geometries. The first scenario is conducted by adopting a constant channel height (H = 1 mm) for all the differently shaped channels studied. In contrast, the second scenario is conducted by taking a constant channel cross-sectional area (A = 1 mm2) for all the studied channels. Therefore, a computational fluid dynamics model (CFD) for a PEM fuel cell is formed through the assembly of FC to simulate the pressure variations inside it. The simulation results showed that a triangular cross-section channel provided the uniformity of the pressure distribution, with lower deformations and lower mechanical stresses. The analysis helped gain insights into the physical mechanisms that lead to the FC’s durability and identify important parameters under different conditions. The model shows that it can assume the intracellular pressure configuration toward durability and appearance containing limited experimental data. The results also proved that the better cell voltage occurs in the case of the rectangular channel cross-section, and therefore, higher power from the FC, although its durability is much lower compared to the durability of the triangular channel. The results also showed that the rectangular channel cross-section gave higher cell voltages, and therefore, higher power (0.63 W) from the fuel cell, although its durability is much lower compared to the durability of the triangular channel. Therefore, the triangular channel gives better performance compared to other innovative channels.

scholarly journals Fractal-induced 2D flexible net undulation

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Joon Seng Goh ◽  
Yeong Shiong Chiew ◽  
Ji Jinn Foo
Keyword(s):  
3D Reconstruction ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Channel Cross Section ◽  
Time Varying ◽  
Blockage Ratio ◽  
Transient Time ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Velocity Fluctuations ◽  
Square Grid ◽  
Multilength Scale

AbstractA net immersed in fractal-induced turbulence exhibit a transient time-varying deformation. The anisotropic, inhomogeneous square fractal grid (SFG) generated flow interacts with the flexible net to manifest as visible cross-sectional undulations. We hypothesize that the net’s response may provide a surrogate in expressing local turbulent strength. This is analysed as root-mean-squared velocity fluctuations in the net, displaying intensity patterns dependent on the grid conformation and grid-net separation. The net’s fluctuation strength is found to increase closer to the turbulator with higher thickness ratio while presenting stronger fluctuations compared to regular-square-grid (RSG) of equivalent blockage-ratio, σ. Our findings demonstrate a novel application where 3D-reconstruction of submerged nets is used to experimentally contrast the turbulence generated by RSG and multilength scale SFGs across the channel cross-section. The net’s response shows the unique turbulence developed from SFGs can induce 9 × higher average excitation to a net when compared against RSG of similar σ.

Long waves in a straight channel with non-uniform cross-section

2015 ◽  
Vol 770 ◽  
pp. 156-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricio Winckler ◽  
Philip L.-F. Liu
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Wave Propagation ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Channel Cross Section ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
New Model ◽  
One Dimensional ◽  
Uniform Channel ◽  
The Cross

A cross-sectionally averaged one-dimensional long-wave model is developed. Three-dimensional equations of motion for inviscid and incompressible fluid are first integrated over a channel cross-section. To express the resulting one-dimensional equations in terms of the cross-sectional-averaged longitudinal velocity and spanwise-averaged free-surface elevation, the characteristic depth and width of the channel cross-section are assumed to be smaller than the typical wavelength, resulting in Boussinesq-type equations. Viscous effects are also considered. The new model is, therefore, adequate for describing weakly nonlinear and weakly dispersive wave propagation along a non-uniform channel with arbitrary cross-section. More specifically, the new model has the following new properties: (i) the arbitrary channel cross-section can be asymmetric with respect to the direction of wave propagation, (ii) the channel cross-section can change appreciably within a wavelength, (iii) the effects of viscosity inside the bottom boundary layer can be considered, and (iv) the three-dimensional flow features can be recovered from the perturbation solutions. Analytical and numerical examples for uniform channels, channels where the cross-sectional geometry changes slowly and channels where the depth and width variation is appreciable within the wavelength scale are discussed to illustrate the validity and capability of the present model. With the consideration of viscous boundary layer effects, the present theory agrees reasonably well with experimental results presented by Chang et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 95, 1979, pp. 401–414) for converging/diverging channels and those of Liu et al. (Coast. Engng, vol. 53, 2006, pp. 181–190) for a uniform channel with a sloping beach. The numerical results for a solitary wave propagating in a channel where the width variation is appreciable within a wavelength are discussed.

Numerical Study of the Effect of Inlet Constriction on Bubble Growth During Flow Boiling in Microchannels

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhijit Mukherjee ◽  
Satish G. Kandlikar
Keyword(s):  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Flow Boiling ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Channel Cross Section ◽  
Vapor Bubbles ◽  
Reversed Flow ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Parallel Microchannels ◽  
Energy Equations

Flow boiling through microchannels is characterized by nucleation of vapor bubbles on the channel walls and their rapid growth as they fill the entire channel cross-section. In parallel microchannels connected through a common header, formation of vapor bubbles often results in flow maldistribution that leads to reversed flow in certain channels. The reversed flow is detrimental to the heat transfer and leads to early CHF condition. One way of eliminating the reversed flow is to incorporate flow restrictions at the channel inlet. In the present numerical study, a nucleating vapor bubble placed near the restricted end of a microchannel is numerically simulated. The complete Navier-Stokes equations along with continuity and energy equations are solved using the SIMPLER method. The liquid-vapor interface is captured using the level set technique. The results show that with no restriction the bubble moves towards the nearest channel outlet, whereas in the presence of a restriction, the bubble moves towards the distant but unrestricted end. It is proposed that channels with increasing cross-sectional area may be used to promote unidirectional growth of the vapor plugs and prevent reversed flow.

scholarly journals A novel strain sensor using a microchannel embedded in PDMS

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelica Campigotto ◽  
Stephane Leahy ◽  
Ayan Choudhury ◽  
Guowei Zhao ◽  
Yongjun Lai
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Rotation Angle ◽  
Strain Sensor ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Strain Sensors ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Higher Sensitivity

A novel, inexpensive, and easy-to-use strain sensor using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)  was developed. The sensor consists of a microchannel that is partially filled with a coloured liquid and embedded in a piece of PDMS. A finite element model was developed to optimize the geometry of the microchannel to achieve higher sensitivity. The highest gauge factor that was measured experimentally was 41. The gauge factor was affected by the microchannel’s square cross-sectional area, the number of basic units in the microchannel, and the inlet and outlet configuration. As a case study, the developed strain sensors were used to measure the rotation angle of the wrist and finger joints.

Microstructure of early embryonic aortic arch and its reversibility following mechanically altered hemodynamic load release

2020 ◽  
Vol 318 (5) ◽  
pp. H1208-H1218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merve Celik ◽  
Selda Goktas ◽  
Cansu Karakaya ◽  
Ayse Idil Cakiroglu ◽  
Sercin Karahuseyinoglu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Load ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Avian Embryo ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Matrix Microstructure ◽  
Vessel Lumen ◽  
Area Increase ◽  
Load Release ◽  
Cardiovascular Interventions

The present study undertakes comparative analyses of the mechanistic differences of the arterial matrix microstructure and dynamics in the three fundamental processes of control, conotruncal banded, and released conotruncal band in avian embryo. Among other findings, this study provides specific evidence on the restorative role of elastin during the early lumen growth process. During vascular development, a novel intermittent load-switching mechanism between elastin and collagen, triggered by a step increase in wall shear stress, governs the chronic vessel lumen cross-sectional area increase. Mimicking the fetal cardiovascular interventions currently performed in humans, the early release of the abnormal mechanical load rescues the arterial microstructure with time-lag.

On the skin friction due to turbulence in ducts of various shapes

2018 ◽  
Vol 838 ◽  
pp. 369-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. R. Spalart ◽  
A. Garbaruk ◽  
A. Stabnikov
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Skin Friction ◽  
Numerical Solutions ◽  
Mathematical Reasoning ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Turbulence Theory ◽  
Reynolds Stresses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Law Of The Wall ◽  
Secondary Motion

We consider fully developed turbulence in straight ducts of non-circular cross-sectional shape, for instance a square. A global friction velocity $\overline{u}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}$ is defined from the streamwise pressure gradient $|\text{d}p/\text{d}x|$ and a single characteristic length $h$, half the hydraulic diameter (shapes with disparate length scales, due to high aspect ratio, are excluded). We reason that as the Reynolds number $Re$ reaches high values, outside the viscous region the streamwise velocity differences and the secondary motion scale with $\overline{u}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}$ and the Reynolds stresses with $\overline{u}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}^{2}$. This extends the classical defect-law argument, associated with Townsend and many others, and is successful in channel and pipe flows. We then posit matched asymptotic expansions with overlap of the law of the wall and the behaviour we assumed in the core region. The wall may be smooth, or have a Nikuradse roughness $k_{S}$ (such that it is fully rough, with $k_{S}^{+}\gg 1$). The consequences include the familiar logarithmic behaviour of the velocity profile, but also the surprising prediction that the skin friction tends to uniformity all around the duct, except near possible corners, asymptotically as $Re\rightarrow \infty$ or $k_{S}/h\rightarrow 0$. This is confirmed by numerical solutions for a square and two ellipses, using a conventional turbulence model, albeit the trend with Reynolds number is slow. The magnitude of the secondary motion also scales as expected, and the skin-friction coefficient follows the logarithm of the appropriate Reynolds number. This is a validation of the mathematical reasoning, but is by no means independent physical evidence, because the turbulence models embody the same assumptions as the theory. The uniformity of the skin friction appears to be a new and falsifiable deduction from turbulence theory, and a candidate for high-Reynolds-number experiments.

Experimental characterization of three-dimensional corner flows at low Reynolds numbers

2012 ◽  
Vol 707 ◽  
pp. 37-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Sznitman ◽  
L. Guglielmini ◽  
D. Clifton ◽  
D. Scobee ◽  
H. A. Stone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Numerical Solutions ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Channel Cross Section ◽  
Experimental Characterization ◽  
Low Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Low Reynolds

AbstractWe investigate experimentally the characteristics of the flow field that develops at low Reynolds numbers ($\mathit{Re}\ll 1$) around a sharp $9{0}^{\ensuremath{\circ} } $ corner bounded by channel walls. Two-dimensional planar velocity fields are obtained using particle image velocimetry (PIV) conducted in a towing tank filled with a silicone oil of high viscosity. We find that, in the vicinity of the corner, the steady-state flow patterns bear the signature of a three-dimensional secondary flow, characterized by counter-rotating pairs of streamwise vortical structures and identified by the presence of non-vanishing transverse velocities (${u}_{z} $). These results are compared to numerical solutions of the incompressible flow as well as to predictions obtained, for a similar geometry, from an asymptotic expansion solution (Guglielmini et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 668, 2011, pp. 33–57). Furthermore, we discuss the influence of both Reynolds number and aspect ratio of the channel cross-section on the resulting secondary flows. This work represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first experimental characterization of the three-dimensional flow features arising in a pressure-driven flow near a corner at low Reynolds number.

Estimation of Nusselt Number in Microchannels of Arbitrary Cross-Section With Constant Axial Heat Flux

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehsan Sadeghi ◽  
Majid Bahrami ◽  
Ned Djilali
Keyword(s):  
Heat Flux ◽  
Nusselt Number ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Numerical Solutions ◽  
Arbitrary Cross Section ◽  
Geometrical Parameters ◽  
Thermal Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Axial Heat

In many practical instances such as basic design, parametric study, and optimization analysis of thermal systems, it is often very convenient to have closed form relations to obtain the trends and a reasonable estimate of the Nusselt number. However, finding exact solutions for many practical singly-connected cross-sections, such as trapezoidal microchannels, is complex. In the present study, the square root of cross-sectional area is proposed as the characteristic length scale for Nusselt number. Using analytical solutions of rectangular, elliptical, and triangular ducts, a compact model for estimation of Nusselt number of fully-developed, laminar flow in microchannels of arbitrary cross-sections with “H1” boundary condition (constant axial wall heat flux with constant peripheral wall temperature) is developed. The proposed model is only a function of geometrical parameters of the cross-section, i.e., area, perimeter, and polar moment of inertia. The present model is verified against analytical and numerical solutions for a wide variety of cross-sections with a maximum difference on the order of 9%.

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