Comsol Simulation for Optimization of micromixer parameters and its fabrication using 3D printed mold

Abstract

Present work illustrates an alternate method of soft lithography. Here 3 D printed mold is used in comparison to SU 8 mold used generally. This method is less costly, easier to implement due to elimination of use of clean room facility. The work also focuses on optimizing parameters for efficient micro mixer design. The parameters studied for their effect on mixing are depth of micro channel, width of micro channel, design of micromixer, curvature of circular micro mixer, angle of Y channel inlets and effect of diffusion coefficient of fluid on mixing. The finding is that deep, less width microchannel with curvature of about 550 μm are more efficient for mixing. The proposed design in present work with a narrow channel in major sub channel of asymmetric circular micromixer is more efficient in mixing. The need for circular micromixer is more important for fluids with lower diffusion coefficient. The Y channel with −60° is more efficient for mixing and hence a better choice to be used as inlet.