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Criteria for drop generation in multiphase microfluidic devices.

Joseph D Buttacci¹, Michael Loewenberg¹, Christine C Roberts²

¹Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, USA.

Physical Review. E

|July 16, 2017

Summary

A new theory explains how microfluidic flow transitions from coflowing to drop generation. Drop generation is suppressed above a critical flow rate ratio, depending on fluid properties and channel shape.

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Area of Science:

Fluid dynamics
Microfluidics
Interfacial phenomena

Background:

Microfluidic devices enable precise control over fluid behavior.
Understanding transitions between flow regimes (coflowing vs. drop generation) is crucial for applications.
Rectangular cross-section channels present unique fluid dynamics challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a theoretical framework for the transition between coflowing and drop-generation regimes in rectangular microfluidic channels.
To identify the critical parameters governing this transition.
To predict phenomena like hysteresis in drop generation.

Main Methods:

Theoretical modeling of fluid interfaces within rectangular microchannels.
Analysis of the critical flow rate ratio for transition.

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Incorporation of fluid viscosity ratio, three-phase contact angle, and channel aspect ratio into the model.

Comparison of theoretical predictions with experimental data.

Main Results:

A critical dispersed- to continuous-phase volume flow rate ratio defines the transition.
Drop generation is suppressed when the flow rate ratio exceeds this critical value.
The transition criterion depends on fluid viscosities, contact angle, and channel aspect ratio, but not interfacial tension.
Hysteretic behavior is predicted for partially wetting fluids.

Conclusions:

The presented theory accurately describes the transition between coflowing and drop-generation regimes.
The critical flow rate ratio is a key parameter for controlling drop formation in microfluidics.
The findings provide a basis for designing microfluidic systems for specific drop generation or suppression needs.