Flow analysis and control in microfluidic networks

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Microfluidics technology has been seen to have great potential in lab-on-a-chip applications including chemical analysis and diagnostics. However, flow control in these networks requires either a pneumatic or fluidic control layer over the microfluidic layer. Recent studies have shown that integrated flow control may be achieved by introducing capacitive elements or obstacles in the flow path so that system response becomes non-linear as required for flow switching. In this project we explore several designs and optimize geometric and flow parameters of the microfluidic network for desired flow control. We intend to use Ansys® and OpenFOAM® (open source CFD software) for this project.

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