A microfluidic rectifier: Anisotropic flow resistance at low Reynolds numbers

被引：182

作者：

Groisman, A ^{[1
]}

Quake, SR ^{[1
]}

机构：

[1] CALTECH, Dept Appl Phys, Pasadena, CA 91125 USA

来源：

PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS | 2004年 / 92卷 / 09期

关键词：

D O I：

10.1103/PhysRevLett.92.094501

中图分类号：

O4 [物理学];

学科分类号：

0702 ;

摘要：

It is one of the basic concepts of Newtonian fluid dynamics that at low Reynolds number (Re) the Navier-Stokes equation is linear and flows are reversible. In microfluidic devices, where Re is essentially always low, this implies that flow resistance in microchannels is isotropic. Here we present a microfluidic rectifier: a microscopic channel of a special shape whose flow resistance is strongly anisotropic, differing by up to a factor of 2 for opposite flow directions. Its nonlinear operation at arbitrary small Re is due to non-Newtonian elastic properties of the working fluid, which is a 0.01% aqueous solution of a high molecular weight polymer. The rectifier works as a dynamic valve and may find applications in microfluidic pumps and other integrated devices.

引用

页码：094501 / 1

页数：4

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