Project Description

Many applications of drop-based microfluidics have been explored in recent years, ranging from drug targeting to micro-chemical reactors. Understanding the physics of drop motion in rectangular microchannels is key to provide insights when designing such applications. Our group has previously developed computational methods to similar such systems, whereas the current project will involve experiments to explore fundamental aspects of the behavior of droplets in microchannels. The scalability of the problem allows us to focus on larger channels with very viscous flows and droplets. The main goal is to measure the velocity and deformation of the droplet in straight channels and how these outputs are affected by changing the physical parameters such as viscosity ratio, capillary number, and drop size. The results will be compared with numerical simulations for validation of the simulations. If time allows experiments with branched channels or other complex shapes will be undertaken. An application of the results in this project is that the results can be used to aid the design of microfluidic systems.

Special Requirements

It is preferred that the student has taken a course in fluid mechanics and is familiar with basic data visualization and programming (e.g., on MATLAB, python, etc.). Laboratory experience, such as in chemistry and physics courses, is also preferred.

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