Analyzing the Effects of Key Design Factors of a Negative-Differential-Resistance (NDR) Microfluidic Oscillator-an Equivalent-Circuit-Model Approach

Numerical study on dynamic hydroelastic problems is usually rather complex due to the coupling of fluid and solid mechanics. Here, we demonstrate that the performance of a hydroelastic microfluidic oscillator can be analyzed using a simple equivalent circuit model. Previous studies reveal that its transition from the steady state to the oscillation state follows the negative-differential-resistance (NDR) mechanism. The performance is mainly determined by a bias fluidic resistor, and a pressure variant resistor which further relates to the bending stiffness of the elastic diaphragm and the depth of the oscillation chamber. In this work, a numerical study is conducted to examine the effects of key design factors on the device robustness, the applicable fluid viscosity, the flow rate, and the transition pressure. The underlying physics is interpreted, providing a new perspective on hydroelastic oscillation problems. Relevant findings also provide design guidelines of the NDR fluidic oscillator.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates how the performance of a hydroelastic microfluidic oscillator can be analyzed using a simple equivalent circuit model, where the performance is mainly determined by a bias fluidic resistor and a pressure variant resistor. Numerical study also examines the effects of key design factors on the device robustness, applicable fluid viscosity, flow rate, and transition pressure.