Principles of hydrodynamic particle manipulation in internal Stokes flow
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Manipulation of small-scale particles across streamlines is the elementary task of microfluidic devices. Many such devices operate at very low Reynolds numbers and deflect particles using arrays of obstacles, but a systematic quantification of relevant hydrodynamic effects has been lacking. Here, we explore an alternative approach, rigorously modelling the displacement of force-free spherical particles in vortical Stokes flows under hydrodynamic particle–wall interaction. Certain Moffatt-like eddy geometries with broken symmetry allow for systematic deflection of particles across streamlines, leading to particle accumulation at either Faxen field fixed points or limit cycles. Moreover, particles can be forced onto trajectories approaching channel walls exponentially closely, making possible quantitative predictions of particle capture (sticking) by short-range forces. This rich, particle-size-dependent behaviour suggests the versatile use of inertia-less flow in devices with a long particle residence time for concentration, sorting or filtering.
Source: Journal of Fluid Mechanics
DOI: 10.1017/jfm.2025.64
Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,550
OpenAlex ID: W4408450639