Evaluation of Mixing Performance in Several Designs for Microfluidic Channel Mixers

We conducted a numerical study of AC-electroosmotic (alternating current) effect on the fluid flow and mixing in a 3-D microchannel. The microchannel used as an efficient micro-mixer is composed of a channel and a series of pairs of electrodes attached in zigzag pattern on the bottom wall. The AC electric field is applied to the electrodes so that a steady flow current takes place around the electrodes. This current is flowing across the channel and thus contributing to the mixing of the fluid within the channel. We performed numerical simulations by using a commercial code to obtain a steady flow field. This steady flow is then used in evaluation of the mixing performance via the concept of mixing index. It was found that good combination of two kinds of electrode, which gave us a good mixing, is not simple harmonic. And when the length ratio of these two kinds of electrode is 2:1, we can get the best mixing effect.