Publication Date:
2008-03-18
Description:
A model was developed for the analysis of steady and unsteady bubble generation frequencies in a microfluidic flow-focusing device. In both cases, the generation frequency depends on the downstream influence of bubbles created by the flow-focusing device, which provides a source of feedback. For steady-state generation of bubbles, this feedback explains the relationships among frequency, gas pressure and liquid flow rate in our experiments as well as gives a physical explanation for previously observed frequency relations. The role of feedback is also exploited to explain unsteady behaviour; we develop a numerical model and analytical expressions that agree with experimental measurements.
Print ISSN:
1364-503X
Electronic ISSN:
1471-2962
Topics:
Mathematics
,
Physics
,
Technology
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