Experimental observations of droplet breakup in microfluidic T-junctions

Wenbo Zhang, Purdue University

Abstract

Droplet-based microfluidic has emerged as a promising new area because of their potential in high throughput combinatorial studies that requires precise control over droplet size. One of the most commonly used droplet generator is the T-junction configuration. Various predictive models exist based either on the geometric description of droplet shape during the breakup or on the force balance representation. Here we present our experimental observations through the analysis of high-speed videos for various governing parameters such as flow rate, capillary number, geometry and material properties. A predictive model is then presented that describes the performance of T-junction generators in different operational regimes (squeezing, transitional and dripping). The model combines a geometric reconstruction of the emerging droplet and a force balance representation to predict the droplet size and shows significantly improved predictive ability for higher capillary numbers. This model is validated by comparing it to experimental data.

Degree

M.S.M.E.

Advisors

Wereley, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Mechanical engineering

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