Mixing of electrokinetically-driven power-law fluids in zigzag microchannels

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the mixing performance of the electrokinetically-driven power-law fluids in a zigzag microchannel. Design/methodology/approach – The Poisson-Boltzmann equation, the Laplace equation, the modified Cauchy momentum equation, and the convection-diffusion equation are solved to describe the flow characteristics and mixing performance of power-law fluids in the zigzag microchannel. A body-fitted grid system and a generalized coordinate transformation method are used to model the grid system and transform the governing equations, respectively. The transformed governing equations are solved numerically using the finite-volume method. Findings – The mixing efficiency of dilatant fluids is higher than that of pseudoplastic fluids. In addition, the mixing efficiency can be improved by increasing the width of the zigzag blocks or extending the total length of the zigzag block region. Originality/value – The results presented in this study provide a useful insight into potential strategies for enhancing the mixing performance of the power-law fluids in a zigzag microchannel. The results of this study also provide a useful source of reference for the development of efficient and accurate microfluidic systems.