Design and evaluation of two-dimensional passive micromixer based on unbalanced convergence-divergence-splits and reverse-collisions-recombination

Based on the concept of unbalanced convergence-divergence-splits and reverse-collisions-recombination of fluid streams, a novel two-dimensional (2D) passive micromixer was designed, fabricated, and characterized. We introduced its design and evaluated its performance in terms of the fluid dynamic and mixing performance. Multiple-vortex and reverse-collisions-recombination were generated to change fluid flow direction and enhance the mixing performance in the designed micromixer. Under the designed conditions, the designed micromixer achieved an almost complete mixing with a length of 10.5 mm at Re = 10.00. As compared to the traditional 2D modified Tesla micromixer, the mixing performance of the designed micromixer exhibited 20%, 35%, and 15% improvement at Re = 0.50, 1.25, and 10.00; the fabricating accuracy reliability had a significant improvement under the same fabrication conditions. This work not only presents a novel micromixer for various microfluidic applications but also provides insights into the improvement of fabricating accuracy reliability for the micromixer with complex structures. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A novel two-dimensional passive micromixer was designed, fabricated, and characterized based on the concept of unbalanced convergence-divergence-splits and reverse-collisions-recombination of fluid streams, showing improved mixing performance. By introducing multiple-vortex and reverse-collisions-recombination, the micromixer achieved almost complete mixing and enhanced fabrication accuracy reliability, providing insights for microfluidic applications with complex structures.