Parametric Study of a Micromixer with Convergent-Divergent Sinusoidal walls

A Parametric study of a passive micromixer with convergent-divergent channel walls of sinusoidal variation is conducted numerically using combined Navier-Stokes equations and convection-diffusion model for a Reynolds number range, 10 <= Re <= 70. Water and ethanol are used as working fluids for mixing analysis. Mixing performance was used to compare different configurations (layout) of the micromixer. In comparison with previously published design, which was based on Dean vortices in the sub-channels, the new configurations offered Dean vortices in the sub-channels and recirculation zones in the recesses of the channel for effective mixing. The proposed configurations are competitive in terms mixing performance and pressure loss. Finally, effect of two geometrical parameters viz, the ratio of throat-width to diameter of circular wall and the ratio of diameter of circular wall to amplitude, on mixing performance was studied over a chosen Reynolds number range.