Mixing Performance of a Passive Micromixer Based on Split-to-Circulate (STC) Flow Characteristics

Abstract

We propose a novel passive micromixer leveraging STC (split-to-circulate) flow characteristics and analyze its mixing performance comprehensively. Three distinct designs incorporating submerged circular walls were explored to achieve STC flow characteristics, facilitating flow along a convex surface and flow impingement on a concave surface. Across a broad Reynolds number range (0.1 to 80), the present micromixer substantially enhances mixing, with a degree of mixing (DOM) consistently exceeding 0.84. Particularly, the mixing enhancement is prominent within the low and intermediate range of Reynolds numbers (0.1<Re<20). This enhancement stems from key flow characteristics of STC: the formation of saddle points around convex walls and flow impingement on concave walls. Compared to other passive micromixers, the DOM of the present micromixer stands out as notably high over a broad range of Reynolds numbers (0.1≤Re≤80).