Selection of Two-Phase Flow Patterns at a Simple Junction in Microfluidic Devices

W. Engl, K. Ohata, P. Guillot, A. Colin, and P. Panizza
Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 134505 – Published 7 April 2006

Abstract

We study the behavior of a confined stream made of two immiscible fluids when it reaches a T junction. Two flow patterns are witnessed: the stream is either directed in only one sidearm, yielding a preferential flow pathway for the dispersed phase, or splits between both. We show that the selection of these patterns is not triggered by the shape of the junction nor by capillary effects, but results from confinement. It can be anticipated in terms of the hydrodynamic properties of the flow. A simple model yielding universal behavior in terms of the relevant adimensional parameters of the problem is presented and discussed.

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  • Received 18 January 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.134505

©2006 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

W. Engl, K. Ohata, P. Guillot, A. Colin, and P. Panizza*

  • Laboratoire du Futur, Rhodia/CNRS FRE 2177, 178 Avenue A. Schweitzer, 33608 Pessac, France

  • *Electronic address: pascal.panizza-exterieur@eu.rhodia.com

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Issue

Vol. 96, Iss. 13 — 7 April 2006

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