Design and Optimization of a Passive Micromixer with Kite-Shaped Chambers

Abstract

Micromixers are devices with microchannels that effectively mix fluids across a tiny area and a limited flow route. One of the crucial components of a microfluidic system is a micromixer that should produce the maximum mixing with the smallest pressure drop. In this paper, a passive micromixer with kite-shaped chambers with rectangular bridges, and vortex-inducing inlets is proposed. The vertical separation of the fluid streams across the bridges and their recombination in the chambers has improved the mixing performance in here. The aim is to maximize the result by optimizing the design using the Taguchi approach and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA). Three factors, each with three level values, are employed in the Taguchi Design of Experiment, which produce a L9 orthogonal array with nine (9) trials. The optimal micromixer and the most influential parameter are derived from the analyses. COMSOL Multiphysics software is used to conduct the numerical simulation, which includes a Reynolds number range of 0.1 to 100. In its 5.8 mm length, the optimized micromixer produces 98% mixing and a maximum 9.8 kPa pressure drop. From the simulated analyses, it can be said that the proposed micromixer could be appropriate for the practical uses in the chemical and the biomedical sectors.