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Gravity induced fluid fragmentation in an asymmetric microfluidic Y junction
Jean-Baptiste Charpentier1, Laurent Bizet1, Abdelghani Saouab1
1Laboratoire Ondes et Milieux Complexes, UMR CNRS 6294, Normandie Université, 53 rue Prony, 76600 Le Havre, France.
Gravity influences fluid fragmentation in asymmetric Y junctions. Fragmentation dynamics depend on junction orientation and viscosity, occurring in a squeezing regime similar to Drop-On-Demand systems.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Microfluidics
- Porous media physics
Background:
- Investigating fluid behavior in microfluidic junctions is crucial for understanding processes in porous media.
- Gravity's role in fluid fragmentation within confined geometries requires detailed study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate spontaneous and forced imbibition in an asymmetric Y junction under gravity.
- To model gravity-induced fluid fragmentation in microfluidic junctions and porous media.
Main Methods:
- Experimental study of fluid imbibition in three microfluidic Y junctions.
- Systematic variation of capillary and Bond numbers during spontaneous and forced imbibition.
Main Results:
- A fragmentation criterion and two distinct imbibition dynamics leading to fragmentation were identified.
- Gravity-induced fragmentation occurs in the squeezing regime, locally controlled by viscosity.
Conclusions:
- The study validates the predicted fragmentation criterion and imbibition dynamics.
- Fragmentation dynamics are independent of imbibition type (spontaneous/forced) but depend on gravitational orientation.
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