Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) optimization of microfluidic mixing in a MEMS steam generator
Name
318454016-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
6.4 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
81f7afa58120526356f5d187cd1b4a0f
Author(s)
Collins, Kimberlee C. (Kimberlee Chiyoko)
Advisor(s)
Carol Livermore.
Date Issued
2008
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
The challenge of achieving rapid mixing in microchannels is addressed through a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study using the ADINA-F finite element program. The study is motivated by the need to design an adequate mixing chamber for aqueous chemical reactants in a micro steam generator. The study focuses on the geometric optimization of a static micromixer channel by considering the trade-off between mixing quality and pressure drop. Both zigzag and straight channels are evaluated, in addition to channels with differing amounts of added obstruction features. Due to computational limits, the numerical analysis is conducted in two dimensions. The results indicate that hydrodynamic focusing of the reactant at the inlet, in addition to the amount and density of added obstruction features, has the most significant impact on mixing efficiency and increased pressure drop. The study presents mixing quality and pressure drop trends that provide useful information for the micro steam generator mixing chamber design.
Description
Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2008.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 23-24).
Subjects
Mechanical Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
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