Mass production of shaped particles through vortex ring freezing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Duo; Warning, Alex; Yancey, Kenneth G.; Chang, Chun-Ti; Kern, Vanessa R.; Datta, Ashim K.; Steen, Paul H.; Luo, Dan; Ma, Minglin

2016-08-01

A vortex ring is a torus-shaped fluidic vortex. During its formation, the fluid experiences a rich variety of intriguing geometrical intermediates from spherical to toroidal. Here we show that these constantly changing intermediates can be `frozen' at controlled time points into particles with various unusual and unprecedented shapes. These novel vortex ring-derived particles, are mass-produced by employing a simple and inexpensive electrospraying technique, with their sizes well controlled from hundreds of microns to millimetres. Guided further by theoretical analyses and a laminar multiphase fluid flow simulation, we show that this freezing approach is applicable to a broad range of materials from organic polysaccharides to inorganic nanoparticles. We demonstrate the unique advantages of these vortex ring-derived particles in several applications including cell encapsulation, three-dimensional cell culture, and cell-free protein production. Moreover, compartmentalization and ordered-structures composed of these novel particles are all achieved, creating opportunities to engineer more sophisticated hierarchical materials.

An inkjet-printed electrowetting valve for paper-fluidic sensors.

PubMed

Koo, Charmaine K W; He, Fei; Nugen, Sam R

2013-09-07

Paper-fluidic devices have become an emerging trend for micro total analysis systems (microTAS) in the bioengineering field due to their ability to maintain the rapid, sensitive and specific attributes of microfluidic devices. Subsequently, paper-fluidic devices are also more portable, have a lower production cost and are easier to use. However, one of the obstacles in developing paper fluidic devices is the limited ability to control the rate of fluid flow during an assay. In our project, we use electrowetting on dielectrics where a dielectric, which is normally hydrophobic, is polarized and becomes hydrophilic. We have fabricated paper-fluidic devices by inkjet printing and spraying conductive hydrophobic electrodes/valves in conjunction with conductive hydrophilic electrodes which are able to stop the fluid front of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The hydrophobic valves were then actuated by an applied potential which altered the fluorinated monolayer on the electrode. As the applied potential between the electrodes was increased, the amount of time for the fluid front to pass the valve decreased because the monolayer was altered faster. However, we did not observe significant differences in time as we increased the distance between the electrodes. The valves were also incorporated in a lateral flow assay where the device was used to detect Saccharomyces cerevisiae rRNA sequences. With the ability to control the fluid flow in a paper-fluidic device, more complex and intricate assays can be developed, which not only can be applied in the biomedical, food and environmental fields, but also can be used in low resource settings for the detection of diseases.

Packaging of electro-microfluidic devices

DOEpatents

Benavides, Gilbert L.; Galambos, Paul C.; Emerson, John A.; Peterson, Kenneth A.; Giunta, Rachel K.; Zamora, David Lee; Watson, Robert D.

2003-04-15

A new architecture for packaging surface micromachined electro-microfluidic devices is presented. This architecture relies on two scales of packaging to bring fluid to the device scale (picoliters) from the macro-scale (microliters). The architecture emulates and utilizes electronics packaging technology. The larger package consists of a circuit board with embedded fluidic channels and standard fluidic connectors (e.g. Fluidic Printed Wiring Board). The embedded channels connect to the smaller package, an Electro-Microfluidic Dual-Inline-Package (EMDIP) that takes fluid to the microfluidic integrated circuit (MIC). The fluidic connection is made to the back of the MIC through Bosch-etched holes that take fluid to surface micromachined channels on the front of the MIC. Electrical connection is made to bond pads on the front of the MIC.

Packaging of electro-microfluidic devices

DOEpatents

Benavides, Gilbert L.; Galambos, Paul C.; Emerson, John A.; Peterson, Kenneth A.; Giunta, Rachel K.; Watson, Robert D.

2002-01-01

A new architecture for packaging surface micromachined electro-microfluidic devices is presented. This architecture relies on two scales of packaging to bring fluid to the device scale (picoliters) from the macro-scale (microliters). The architecture emulates and utilizes electronics packaging technology. The larger package consists of a circuit board with embedded fluidic channels and standard fluidic connectors (e.g. Fluidic Printed Wiring Board). The embedded channels connect to the smaller package, an Electro-Microfluidic Dual-Inline-Package (EMDIP) that takes fluid to the microfluidic integrated circuit (MIC). The fluidic connection is made to the back of the MIC through Bosch-etched holes that take fluid to surface micromachined channels on the front of the MIC. Electrical connection is made to bond pads on the front of the MIC.

Method Of Packaging And Assembling Electro-Microfluidic Devices

DOEpatents

Benavides, Gilbert L.; Galambos, Paul C.; Emerson, John A.; Peterson, Kenneth A.; Giunta, Rachel K.; Zamora, David Lee; Watson, Robert D.

2004-11-23

A new architecture for packaging surface micromachined electro-microfluidic devices is presented. This architecture relies on two scales of packaging to bring fluid to the device scale (picoliters) from the macro-scale (microliters). The architecture emulates and utilizes electronics packaging technology. The larger package consists of a circuit board with embedded fluidic channels and standard fluidic connectors (e.g. Fluidic Printed Wiring Board). The embedded channels connect to the smaller package, an Electro-Microfluidic Dual-Inline-Package (EMDIP) that takes fluid to the microfluidic integrated circuit (MIC). The fluidic connection is made to the back of the MIC through Bosch-etched holes that take fluid to surface micromachined channels on the front of the MIC. Electrical connection is made to bond pads on the front of the MIC.

3D printed fluidics with embedded analytic functionality for automated reaction optimisation

PubMed Central

Capel, Andrew J; Wright, Andrew; Harding, Matthew J; Weaver, George W; Li, Yuqi; Harris, Russell A; Edmondson, Steve; Goodridge, Ruth D

2017-01-01

Additive manufacturing or ‘3D printing’ is being developed as a novel manufacturing process for the production of bespoke micro- and milliscale fluidic devices. When coupled with online monitoring and optimisation software, this offers an advanced, customised method for performing automated chemical synthesis. This paper reports the use of two additive manufacturing processes, stereolithography and selective laser melting, to create multifunctional fluidic devices with embedded reaction monitoring capability. The selectively laser melted parts are the first published examples of multifunctional 3D printed metal fluidic devices. These devices allow high temperature and pressure chemistry to be performed in solvent systems destructive to the majority of devices manufactured via stereolithography, polymer jetting and fused deposition modelling processes previously utilised for this application. These devices were integrated with commercially available flow chemistry, chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis equipment, allowing automated online and inline optimisation of the reaction medium. This set-up allowed the optimisation of two reactions, a ketone functional group interconversion and a fused polycyclic heterocycle formation, via spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis. PMID:28228852

A fluidic diode, valves, and a sequential-loading circuit fabricated on layered paper.

PubMed

Chen, Hong; Cogswell, Jeremy; Anagnostopoulos, Constantine; Faghri, Mohammad

2012-08-21

Current microfluidic paper-based devices lack crucial components for fluid manipulation. We created a fluidic diode fabricated entirely on a single layer of paper to control the wicking of fluids. The fluidic diode is a two-terminal component that promotes or stops wicking along a paper channel. We further constructed a trigger and a delay valve based on the fluidic diode. Furthermore, we demonstrated a high-level functional circuit, consisting of a diode and a delay valve, to manipulate two fluids in a sequential manner. Our study provides new, transformative tools to manipulate fluid in microfluidic paper-based devices.

Indexing film with a fluidic sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maciel, A., Jr.

1972-01-01

Fluidic sensor is used to measure passage of film without mechanical contact with counting device. Same sensor system may be used for different sizes of film. System has two fluidic sensors and operates on principle of electrically recording interruptions in air stream.

Active porous transition towards spatiotemporal control of molecular flow in a crystal membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takasaki, Yuichi; Takamizawa, Satoshi

2015-11-01

Fluidic control is an essential technology widely found in processes such as flood control in land irrigation and cell metabolism in biological tissues. In any fluidic control system, valve function is the key mechanism used to actively regulate flow and miniaturization of fluidic regulation with precise workability will be particularly vital in the development of microfluidic control. The concept of crystal engineering is alternative to processing technology in microstructure construction, as the ultimate microfluidic devices must provide molecular level control. Consequently, microporous crystals can instantly be converted to microfluidic devices if introduced in an active transformability of porous structure and geometry. Here we show that the introduction of a stress-induced martensitic transition mechanism converts a microporous molecular crystal into an active fluidic device with spatiotemporal molecular flow controllability through mechanical reorientation of subnanometre channels.

Numerical investigation of a vortex ring impinging on a coaxial aperture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Jiacheng; Peterson, Sean D.

2017-11-01

Recent advancements in smart materials have sparked an interest in the development of small scale fluidic energy harvesters for powering distributed applications in aquatic environments, where coherent vortex structures are prevalent. Thus, it is crucial to investigate the interaction of viscous vortices in the proximity of a thin plate (a common harvester configuration). Hence, the present study systematically examines the interaction of a vortex ring impinging on an infinitesimally thin wall with a coaxially aligned annular aperture. The rigid aperture serves as an axisymmetric counterpart of the thin plate, and the vortex ring represents a typical coherent vortex structure. The results indicate that the vortex dynamics can be categorized into two regimes based on the aperture to ring radius ratio (Rr). The rebound regime (Rr < 0.9) exhibits the classical unsteady boundary layer interaction in a vortex ring-wall collision. The vortex ring is able to slip past the aperture when Rr >= 0.9 , and an increase in the vortex ring impulse is observed for 1.0 <= Rr <= 1.3 due to fluid entrainment. Furthermore, pressure loadings are also compared to elucidate an optimal energy harvesting strategy in vortex impact configurations. This work was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant (RGPIN-05778) and Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS-D).

Transient Characteristics of a Fluidic Device for Circulatory Jet Flow.

PubMed

Phan, Hoa Thanh; Dinh, Thien Xuan; Bui, Phong Nhu; Dau, Van Thanh

2018-03-13

In this paper, we report on the design, simulation, and experimental analysis of a miniaturized device that can generate multiple circulated jet flows. The device is actuated by a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) diaphragm. The flows in the device were studied using three-dimensional transient numerical simulation with the programmable open source OpenFOAM and was comparable to the experimental result. Each flow is verified by two hotwires mounted at two positions inside each consisting chamber. The experiment confirmed that the flow was successfully created, and it demonstrated good agreement with the simulation. In addition, a prospective application of the device as an angular rate sensor is also demonstrated. The device is robust, is minimal in size, and can contribute to the development of multi-axis fluidic inertial sensors, fluidic amplifiers, gas mixing, coupling, and analysis.

Transient Characteristics of a Fluidic Device for Circulatory Jet Flow

PubMed Central

Phan, Hoa Thanh; Dinh, Thien Xuan; Bui, Phong Nhu

2018-01-01

In this paper, we report on the design, simulation, and experimental analysis of a miniaturized device that can generate multiple circulated jet flows. The device is actuated by a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) diaphragm. The flows in the device were studied using three-dimensional transient numerical simulation with the programmable open source OpenFOAM and was comparable to the experimental result. Each flow is verified by two hotwires mounted at two positions inside each consisting chamber. The experiment confirmed that the flow was successfully created, and it demonstrated good agreement with the simulation. In addition, a prospective application of the device as an angular rate sensor is also demonstrated. The device is robust, is minimal in size, and can contribute to the development of multi-axis fluidic inertial sensors, fluidic amplifiers, gas mixing, coupling, and analysis. PMID:29534014

Mass production of shaped particles through vortex ring freezing

PubMed Central

An, Duo; Warning, Alex; Yancey, Kenneth G.; Chang, Chun-Ti; Kern, Vanessa R.; Datta, Ashim K.; Steen, Paul H.; Luo, Dan; Ma, Minglin

2016-01-01

A vortex ring is a torus-shaped fluidic vortex. During its formation, the fluid experiences a rich variety of intriguing geometrical intermediates from spherical to toroidal. Here we show that these constantly changing intermediates can be ‘frozen' at controlled time points into particles with various unusual and unprecedented shapes. These novel vortex ring-derived particles, are mass-produced by employing a simple and inexpensive electrospraying technique, with their sizes well controlled from hundreds of microns to millimetres. Guided further by theoretical analyses and a laminar multiphase fluid flow simulation, we show that this freezing approach is applicable to a broad range of materials from organic polysaccharides to inorganic nanoparticles. We demonstrate the unique advantages of these vortex ring-derived particles in several applications including cell encapsulation, three-dimensional cell culture, and cell-free protein production. Moreover, compartmentalization and ordered-structures composed of these novel particles are all achieved, creating opportunities to engineer more sophisticated hierarchical materials. PMID:27488831

Customizable 3D Printed ‘Plug and Play’ Millifluidic Devices for Programmable Fluidics

PubMed Central

Tsuda, Soichiro; Jaffery, Hussain; Doran, David; Hezwani, Mohammad; Robbins, Phillip J.; Yoshida, Mari; Cronin, Leroy

2015-01-01

Three dimensional (3D) printing is actively sought after in recent years as a promising novel technology to construct complex objects, which scope spans from nano- to over millimeter scale. Previously we utilized Fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based 3D printer to construct complex 3D chemical fluidic systems, and here we demonstrate the construction of 3D milli-fluidic structures for programmable liquid handling and control of biological samples. Basic fluidic operation devices, such as water-in-oil (W/O) droplet generators for producing compartmentalized mono-disperse droplets, sensor-integrated chamber for online monitoring of cellular growth, are presented. In addition, chemical surface treatment techniques are used to construct valve-based flow selector for liquid flow control and inter-connectable modular devices for networking fluidic parts. As such this work paves the way for complex operations, such as mixing, flow control, and monitoring of reaction / cell culture progress can be carried out by constructing both passive and active components in 3D printed structures, which designs can be shared online so that anyone with 3D printers can reproduce them by themselves. PMID:26558389

Dynamics of fluidic devices with applications to rotor pitch links

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scarborough, Lloyd H., III

Coupling a Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite (F2MC) to an air-pressurized fluid port produces a fundamentally new class of tunable vibration isolator. This fluidlastic device provides significant vibration reduction at an isolation frequency that can be tuned over a broad frequency range. The material properties and geometry of the F2MC element, as well as the port inertance, determine the isolation frequency. A unique feature of this device is that the port inertance depends on pressure so the isolation frequency can be adjusted by changing the air pressure. For constant port inertance, the isolation frequency is largely independent of the isolated mass so the device is robust to changes in load. A nonlinear model is developed to predict isolator length and port inertance. The model is linearized and the frequency response calculated. Experiments agree with theory, demonstrating a tunable isolation range from 9 Hz to 36 Hz and transmitted force reductions of up to 60 dB at the isolation frequency. Replacing rigid pitch links on rotorcraft with coupled fluidic devices has the potential to reduce the aerodynamic blade loads transmitted through the pitch links to the swashplate. Analytical models of two fluidic devices coupled with three different fluidic circuits are derived. These passive fluidlastic systems are tuned, by varying the fluid inertances and capacitances of each fluidic circuit, to reduce the transmitted pitch-link loads. The different circuit designs result in transmitted pitch link loads reduction at up to three main rotor harmonics. The simulation results show loads reduction at the targeted out-of-phase and in-phase harmonics of up to 88% and 93%, respectively. Experimental validation of two of the fluidic circuits demonstrates loads reduction of up to 89% at the out-of-phase isolation frequencies and up to 81% at the in-phase isolation frequencies. Replacing rigid pitch links on rotorcraft with fluidic pitch links changes the blade torsional impedance. At low frequency, the pitch link must have high impedance to pass through the pilot's collective and cyclic commands to control the aircraft. At higher frequencies, however, the pitch-link impedance can be tuned to change the blade pitching response to higher harmonic loads. Active blade control to produce higher harmonic pitch motions has been shown to reduce hub loads and increase rotor efficiency. This work investigates whether fluidic pitch links can passively provide these benefits. An analytical model of a fluidic pitch link is derived and incorporated into a rotor aeroelastic simulation for a rotor similar to that of the UH-60. Eighty-one simulations with varied fluidic pitch link parameters demonstrate that their impedance can be tailored to reduce rotor power and all six hub forces and moments. While no impedance was found that simultaneously reduced all components, the results include cases with reductions in the lateral 4/rev hub force of up to 91% and 4/rev hub pitching moment of up to 67%, and main rotor power of up to 5%.

Fluidic nanotubes and devices

DOEpatents

Yang, Peidong [Berkeley, CA; He, Rongrui [El Cerrito, CA; Goldberger, Joshua [Berkeley, CA; Fan, Rong [El Cerrito, CA; Wu, Yiying [Albany, CA; Li, Deyu [Albany, CA; Majumdar, Arun [Orinda, CA

2008-04-08

Fluidic nanotube devices are described in which a hydrophilic, non-carbon nanotube, has its ends fluidly coupled to reservoirs. Source and drain contacts are connected to opposing ends of the nanotube, or within each reservoir near the opening of the nanotube. The passage of molecular species can be sensed by measuring current flow (source-drain, ionic, or combination). The tube interior can be functionalized by joining binding molecules so that different molecular species can be sensed by detecting current changes. The nanotube may be a semiconductor, wherein a tubular transistor is formed. A gate electrode can be attached between source and drain to control current flow and ionic flow. By way of example an electrophoretic array embodiment is described, integrating MEMs switches. A variety of applications are described, such as: nanopores, nanocapillary devices, nanoelectrophoretic, DNA sequence detectors, immunosensors, thermoelectric devices, photonic devices, nanoscale fluidic bioseparators, imaging devices, and so forth.

Fluidic nanotubes and devices

DOEpatents

Yang, Peidong; He, Rongrui; Goldberger, Joshua; Fan, Rong; Wu, Yiying; Li, Deyu; Majumdar, Arun

2010-01-10

Fluidic nanotube devices are described in which a hydrophilic, non-carbon nanotube, has its ends fluidly coupled to reservoirs. Source and drain contacts are connected to opposing ends of the nanotube, or within each reservoir near the opening of the nanotube. The passage of molecular species can be sensed by measuring current flow (source-drain, ionic, or combination). The tube interior can be functionalized by joining binding molecules so that different molecular species can be sensed by detecting current changes. The nanotube may be a semiconductor, wherein a tubular transistor is formed. A gate electrode can be attached between source and drain to control current flow and ionic flow. By way of example an electrophoretic array embodiment is described, integrating MEMs switches. A variety of applications are described, such as: nanopores, nanocapillary devices, nanoelectrophoretic, DNA sequence detectors, immunosensors, thermoelectric devices, photonic devices, nanoscale fluidic bioseparators, imaging devices, and so forth.

Development of a millimetrically scaled biodiesel transesterification device that relies on droplet-based co-axial fluidics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh, S. I.; Huang, Y. C.; Cheng, C. H.; Cheng, C. M.; Yang, J. T.

2016-07-01

In this study, we investigated a fluidic system that adheres to new concepts of energy production. To improve efficiency, cost, and ease of manufacture, a millimetrically scaled device that employs a droplet-based co-axial fluidic system was devised to complete alkali-catalyzed transesterification for biodiesel production. The large surface-to-volume ratio of the droplet-based system, and the internal circulation induced inside the moving droplets, significantly enhanced the reaction rate of immiscible liquids used here - soybean oil and methanol. This device also decreased the molar ratio between methanol and oil to near the stoichiometric coefficients of a balanced chemical equation, which enhanced the total biodiesel volume produced, and decreased the costs of purification and recovery of excess methanol. In this work, the droplet-based co-axial fluidic system performed better than other methods of continuous-flow production. We achieved an efficiency that is much greater than that of reported systems. This study demonstrated the high potential of droplet-based fluidic chips for energy production. The small energy consumption and low cost of the highly purified biodiesel transesterification system described conforms to the requirements of distributed energy (inexpensive production on a moderate scale) in the world.

Integrated Microfluidic Devices for Automated Microarray-Based Gene Expression and Genotyping Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Robin H.; Lodes, Mike; Fuji, H. Sho; Danley, David; McShea, Andrew

Microarray assays typically involve multistage sample processing and fluidic handling, which are generally labor-intensive and time-consuming. Automation of these processes would improve robustness, reduce run-to-run and operator-to-operator variation, and reduce costs. In this chapter, a fully integrated and self-contained microfluidic biochip device that has been developed to automate the fluidic handling steps for microarray-based gene expression or genotyping analysis is presented. The device consists of a semiconductor-based CustomArray® chip with 12,000 features and a microfluidic cartridge. The CustomArray was manufactured using a semiconductor-based in situ synthesis technology. The micro-fluidic cartridge consists of microfluidic pumps, mixers, valves, fluid channels, and reagent storage chambers. Microarray hybridization and subsequent fluidic handling and reactions (including a number of washing and labeling steps) were performed in this fully automated and miniature device before fluorescent image scanning of the microarray chip. Electrochemical micropumps were integrated in the cartridge to provide pumping of liquid solutions. A micromixing technique based on gas bubbling generated by electrochemical micropumps was developed. Low-cost check valves were implemented in the cartridge to prevent cross-talk of the stored reagents. Gene expression study of the human leukemia cell line (K562) and genotyping detection and sequencing of influenza A subtypes have been demonstrated using this integrated biochip platform. For gene expression assays, the microfluidic CustomArray device detected sample RNAs with a concentration as low as 0.375 pM. Detection was quantitative over more than three orders of magnitude. Experiment also showed that chip-to-chip variability was low indicating that the integrated microfluidic devices eliminate manual fluidic handling steps that can be a significant source of variability in genomic analysis. The genotyping results showed that the device identified influenza A hemagglutinin and neuraminidase subtypes and sequenced portions of both genes, demonstrating the potential of integrated microfluidic and microarray technology for multiple virus detection. The device provides a cost-effective solution to eliminate labor-intensive and time-consuming fluidic handling steps and allows microarray-based DNA analysis in a rapid and automated fashion.

Fluid Mechanics Optimising Organic Synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leivadarou, Evgenia; Dalziel, Stuart

2015-11-01

The Vortex Fluidic Device (VFD) is a new ``green'' approach in the synthesis of organic chemicals with many industrial applications in biodiesel generation, cosmetics, protein folding and pharmaceutical production. The VFD is a rapidly rotating tube that can operate with a jet feeding drops of liquid reactants to the base of the tube. The aim of this project is to explain the fluid mechanics of the VFD that influence the rate of reactions. The reaction rate is intimately related to the intense shearing that promotes collision between reactant molecules. In the VFD, the highest shears are found at the bottom of the tube in the Rayleigh and the Ekman layer and at the walls in the Stewardson layers. As a step towards optimising the performance of the VFD we present experiments conducted in order to establish the minimum drop volume and maximum rotation rate for maximum axisymmetric spreading without fingering instability. PhD candidate, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics.

Micromachined magnetohydrodynamic actuators and sensors

DOEpatents

Lee, Abraham P.; Lemoff, Asuncion V.

2000-01-01

A magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) micropump and microsensor which utilizes micromachining to integrate the electrodes with microchannels and includes a magnet for producing magnetic fields perpendicular to both the electrical current direction and the fluid flow direction. The magnet can also be micromachined and integrated with the micropump using existing technology. The MHD micropump, for example, can generate continuous, reversible flow, with readily controllable flow rates. The flow can be reversed by either reversing the electrical current flow or reversing the magnetic field. By mismatching the electrodes, a swirling vortex flow can be generated for potential mixing applications. No moving parts are necessary and the dead volume is minimal. The micropumps can be placed at any position in a fluidic circuit and a combination of micropumps can generate fluidic plugs and valves.

Axial Flow Conditioning Device for Mitigating Instabilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahuja, Vineet (Inventor); Birkbeck, Roger M. (Inventor); Hosangadi, Ashvin (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A flow conditioning device for incrementally stepping down pressure within a piping system is presented. The invention includes an outer annular housing, a center element, and at least one intermediate annular element. The outer annular housing includes an inlet end attachable to an inlet pipe and an outlet end attachable to an outlet pipe. The outer annular housing and the intermediate annular element(s) are concentrically disposed about the center element. The intermediate annular element(s) separates an axial flow within the outer annular housing into at least two axial flow paths. Each axial flow path includes at least two annular extensions that alternately and locally direct the axial flow radially outward and inward or radially inward and outward thereby inducing a pressure loss or a pressure gradient within the axial flow. The pressure within the axial flow paths is lower than the pressure at the inlet end and greater than the vapor pressure for the axial flow. The invention minimizes fluidic instabilities, pressure pulses, vortex formation and shedding, and/or cavitation during pressure step down to yield a stabilized flow within a piping system.

Formation of interconnections to microfluidic devices

DOEpatents

Matzke, Carolyn M [Los Lunas, NM; Ashby, Carol I. H. [Edgewood, NM; Griego, Leonardo [Tijeras, NM

2003-07-29

A method is disclosed to form external interconnections to a microfluidic device for coupling of a fluid or light or both into a microchannel of the device. This method can be used to form optical or fluidic interconnections to microchannels previously formed on a substrate, or to form both the interconnections and microchannels during the same process steps. The optical and fluidic interconnections are formed parallel to the plane of the substrate, and are fluid tight.

Multi-Cellular 3D Human Primary Liver Cell Cultures Elevate Metabolic Activity Under Fluidic Flow

PubMed Central

Esch, Mandy B.; Prot, Jean-Matthieu; Wang, Ying I.; Miller, Paula; Llamas-Vidales, Jose Ricardo; Naughton, Brian A.; Applegate, Dawn R.

2015-01-01

Predicting drug-induced liver injury with in vitro cell culture models more accurately would be of significant value to the pharmaceutical industry. To this end we have developed a low-cost liver cell culture device that creates fluidic flow over a 3D primary liver cell culture that consists of multiple liver cell types, including hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells (fibroblasts, stellate cells, and Kupffer cells). We tested the performance of the cell culture under fluidic flow for 14 days, finding that hepatocytes produced albumin and urea at elevated levels compared to static cultures. Hepatocytes also responded with induction of P450 (CYP1A1 and CYP3A4) enzyme activity when challenged with P450 inducers, although we did not find significant differences between static and fluidic cultures. Non-parenchymal cells were similarly responsive, producing interleukin 8 (IL-8) when challenged with 10 μM bacterial lipoprotein (LPS). To create the fluidic flow in an inexpensive manner, we used a rocking platform that tilts the cell culture devices at angles between ±12°, resulting in a periodically changing hydrostatic pressure drop and bidirectional fluid flow (average flow rate of 650 μL/min, and a maximum shear stress of 0.64 dyne/cm2). The increase in metabolic activity is consistent with the hypothesis that, similar to unidirectional fluidic flow, primary liver cell cultures derived from human tissues increase their metabolic activity in response to bidirectional fluidic flow. Since bidirectional flow drastically changes the behavior of other cells types that are shear sensitive, the finding that bidirectional flow increases the metabolic activity of primary liver cells also supports the theory that this increase in metabolic activity is likely caused by increased levels of gas and metabolite exchange or by the accumulation of soluble growth factors rather than by shear sensing. Our results indicate that device operation with bi-directional gravity-driven medium flow supports the 14-day culture of a mix of primary human liver cells with the benefits of enhanced metabolic activity. Our mode of device operation allows us to evaluate drugs under fluidic cell culture conditions and at low device manufacturing and operation costs. PMID:25857666

Comparison Between Numerically Simulated and Experimentally Measured Flowfield Quantities Behind a Pulsejet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geng, Tao; Paxson, Daniel E.; Zheng, Fei; Kuznetsov, Andrey V.; Roberts, William L.

2008-01-01

Pulsed combustion is receiving renewed interest as a potential route to higher performance in air breathing propulsion systems. Pulsejets offer a simple experimental device with which to study unsteady combustion phenomena and validate simulations. Previous computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation work focused primarily on the pulsejet combustion and exhaust processes. This paper describes a new inlet sub-model which simulates the fluidic and mechanical operation of a valved pulsejet head. The governing equations for this sub-model are described. Sub-model validation is provided through comparisons of simulated and experimentally measured reed valve motion, and time averaged inlet mass flow rate. The updated pulsejet simulation, with the inlet sub-model implemented, is validated through comparison with experimentally measured combustion chamber pressure, inlet mass flow rate, operational frequency, and thrust. Additionally, the simulated pulsejet exhaust flowfield, which is dominated by a starting vortex ring, is compared with particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) measurements on the bases of velocity, vorticity, and vortex location. The results show good agreement between simulated and experimental data. The inlet sub-model is shown to be critical for the successful modeling of pulsejet operation. This sub-model correctly predicts both the inlet mass flow rate and its phase relationship with the combustion chamber pressure. As a result, the predicted pulsejet thrust agrees very well with experimental data.

Measurement of microchannel fluidic resistance with a standard voltage meter.

PubMed

Godwin, Leah A; Deal, Kennon S; Hoepfner, Lauren D; Jackson, Louis A; Easley, Christopher J

2013-01-03

A simplified method for measuring the fluidic resistance (R(fluidic)) of microfluidic channels is presented, in which the electrical resistance (R(elec)) of a channel filled with a conductivity standard solution can be measured and directly correlated to R(fluidic) using a simple equation. Although a slight correction factor could be applied in this system to improve accuracy, results showed that a standard voltage meter could be used without calibration to determine R(fluidic) to within 12% error. Results accurate to within 2% were obtained when a geometric correction factor was applied using these particular channels. When compared to standard flow rate measurements, such as meniscus tracking in outlet tubing, this approach provided a more straightforward alternative and resulted in lower measurement error. The method was validated using 9 different fluidic resistance values (from ∼40 to 600kPa smm(-3)) and over 30 separately fabricated microfluidic devices. Furthermore, since the method is analogous to resistance measurements with a voltage meter in electrical circuits, dynamic R(fluidic) measurements were possible in more complex microfluidic designs. Microchannel R(elec) was shown to dynamically mimic pressure waveforms applied to a membrane in a variable microfluidic resistor. The variable resistor was then used to dynamically control aqueous-in-oil droplet sizes and spacing, providing a unique and convenient control system for droplet-generating devices. This conductivity-based method for fluidic resistance measurement is thus a useful tool for static or real-time characterization of microfluidic systems. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coalescence of liquid droplets in micro fluidic device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Mingming; Cubaud, Thomas; Ho, Chih-Ming; Chiou, Peiyu; Wu, Ming C.

2003-11-01

We study experimentally the initial dynamic process when two droplets (diameter range 100μm -1000μm) merge in micro fluidic device. It is known that passive mixing in micro fluidic device relies mostly on a time consuming process - diffusion. In digital fluidic platform,(S.K. Cho, H. Moon, and C.J. Kim, J. of Microelectromechanical Systems, Vol 12, No 1, 70(2003).) we find that the surface-tension-driven flow at the initial stage of the merging can be used to enhance mixing. In our experiments, the droplets are manipulated by two different methods, and results are compared. In one method, the droplet is manipulated by pressure driven flow in micro channels, and in the other, the droplet is moved using an optical electro-wetting device. The droplet is seeded with 4 μm diameter latex particles for visualizing the mixing process. The outlines of the droplets as well as the flow patterns marked by the latex particles inside the droplets are recorded using a high speed imaging system. This work is supported by the National Science Foundation (CTS-0121340), Institute for CMISE (a NASA URETI), DARPA MPG program, and DARPA Optoelectronics Center Program (CHIPS).

Microfluidic Chips Controlled with Elastomeric Microvalve Arrays

PubMed Central

Li, Nianzhen; Sip, Chris; Folch, Albert

2007-01-01

Miniaturized microfluidic systems provide simple and effective solutions for low-cost point-of-care diagnostics and high-throughput biomedical assays. Robust flow control and precise fluidic volumes are two critical requirements for these applications. We have developed microfluidic chips featuring elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microvalve arrays that: 1) need no extra energy source to close the fluidic path, hence the loaded device is highly portable; and 2) allow for microfabricating deep (up to 1 mm) channels with vertical sidewalls and resulting in very precise features. The PDMS microvalves-based devices consist of three layers: a fluidic layer containing fluidic paths and microchambers of various sizes, a control layer containing the microchannels necessary to actuate the fluidic path with microvalves, and a middle thin PDMS membrane that is bound to the control layer. Fluidic layer and control layers are made by replica molding of PDMS from SU-8 photoresist masters, and the thin PDMS membrane is made by spinning PDMS at specified heights. The control layer is bonded to the thin PDMS membrane after oxygen activation of both, and then assembled with the fluidic layer. The microvalves are closed at rest and can be opened by applying negative pressure (e.g., house vacuum). Microvalve closure and opening are automated via solenoid valves controlled by computer software. Here, we demonstrate two microvalve-based microfluidic chips for two different applications. The first chip allows for storing and mixing precise sub-nanoliter volumes of aqueous solutions at various mixing ratios. The second chip allows for computer-controlled perfusion of microfluidic cell cultures. The devices are easy to fabricate and simple to control. Due to the biocompatibility of PDMS, these microchips could have broad applications in miniaturized diagnostic assays as well as basic cell biology studies. PMID:18989408

Development of a millimetrically scaled biodiesel transesterification device that relies on droplet-based co-axial fluidics

PubMed Central

Yeh, S. I.; Huang, Y. C.; Cheng, C. H.; Cheng, C. M.; Yang, J. T.

2016-01-01

In this study, we investigated a fluidic system that adheres to new concepts of energy production. To improve efficiency, cost, and ease of manufacture, a millimetrically scaled device that employs a droplet-based co-axial fluidic system was devised to complete alkali-catalyzed transesterification for biodiesel production. The large surface-to-volume ratio of the droplet-based system, and the internal circulation induced inside the moving droplets, significantly enhanced the reaction rate of immiscible liquids used here – soybean oil and methanol. This device also decreased the molar ratio between methanol and oil to near the stoichiometric coefficients of a balanced chemical equation, which enhanced the total biodiesel volume produced, and decreased the costs of purification and recovery of excess methanol. In this work, the droplet-based co-axial fluidic system performed better than other methods of continuous-flow production. We achieved an efficiency that is much greater than that of reported systems. This study demonstrated the high potential of droplet-based fluidic chips for energy production. The small energy consumption and low cost of the highly purified biodiesel transesterification system described conforms to the requirements of distributed energy (inexpensive production on a moderate scale) in the world. PMID:27426677

Nanofluidic transport through isolated carbon nanotube channels: Advances, controversies, and challenges

DOE PAGES

Guo, Shirui; Meshot, Eric R.; Kuykendall, Tevye; ...

2015-06-02

Owing to their simple chemistry and structure, controllable geometry, and a plethora of unusual yet exciting transport properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as exceptional channels for fundamental nanofluidic studies, as well as building blocks for future fluidic devices that can outperform current technology in many applications. Leveraging the unique fluidic properties of CNTs in advanced systems requires a full understanding of their physical origin. Recent advancements in nanofabrication technology enable nanofluidic devices to be built with a single, nanometer-wide CNT as a fluidic pathway. These novel platforms with isolated CNT nanochannels offer distinct advantages for establishing quantitative structure–transport correlationsmore » in comparison with membranes containing many CNT pores. In addition, they are promising components for single-molecule sensors as well as for building nanotube-based circuits wherein fluidics and electronics can be coupled. With such advanced device architecture, molecular and ionic transport can be manipulated with vastly enhanced control for applications in sensing, separation, detection, and therapeutic delivery. Recent achievements in fabricating isolated-CNT nanofluidic platforms are highlighted, along with the most-significant findings each platform enables for water, ion, and molecular transport. Furthermore, the implications of these findings and remaining open questions on the exceptional fluidic properties of CNTs are also discussed.« less

Investigation of combustion control in a dump combustor using the feedback free fluidic oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meier, Eric J.

The feedback free fluidic oscillator uses the unsteady nature of two colliding jets to create a single oscillating outlet jet with a wide sweep angle. These devices have the potential to provide additional combustion control, boundary layer control, thrust vectoring, and industrial flow deflection. Two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics, CFD, was used to analyze the jet oscillation frequency over a range of operating conditions and to determine the effect that geometric changes in the oscillator design have on the frequency. Results presented illustrate the changes in jet oscillation frequency with gas type, gas temperature, operating pressure, pressure ratio across the oscillator, aspect ratio of the oscillator, and the frequency trends with various changes to the oscillator geometry. A fluidic oscillator was designed and integrated into single element rocket combustor with the goal of suppressing longitudinal combustion instabilities. An array of nine fluidic oscillators was tested to mimic modulated secondary oxidizer injection into the dump plane using 15% of the oxidizer flow. The combustor has a coaxial injector that uses gaseous methane and decomposed hydrogen peroxide at an O/F of 11.66. A sonic choke plate on an actuator arm allows for continuous adjustment of the oxidizer post acoustics for studying a variety of instability magnitudes. The fluidic oscillator unsteady outlet jet performance is compared with equivalent steady jet injection and a baseline design with no secondary oxidizer injection. At the most unstable operating conditions, the unsteady outlet jet saw a 60% reduction in the instability pressure oscillation magnitude when compared to the steady jet and baseline data. The results indicate open loop propellant modulation for combustion control can be achieved through fluidic devices that require no moving parts or electrical power to operate. Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics, 3-D CFD, was conducted to determine the mechanism by which the fluidic oscillators were able to suppress the combustion instability. Results for steady jet secondary injection, showed a strong coupling between the jet injection and the combustion instability pressure pulse. The computational results were able to closely match the experimental results and previous CFD data. The model with the oscillating fluidic oscillator injection was unable to match the stable combustion seen in the experimental data. Further investigation is needed to determine the role higher order chemistry kinetics play in the process and the role of manifolds on the un-choked fuel and fluidic oscillator inlets. This research demonstrates the ability to modulate propellant injection and suppress combustion instabilities using fluidic devices that require no electrical power or moving parts. The advent of advanced manufacturing technologies such as direct metal laser sintering will allow for integration of fluidic devices into combustors to provide open loop active control with a high degree of reliability. Additionally, 2-D CFD analysis is demonstrated to be a valid tool for predicting the feedback free fluidic oscillator oscillation mechanism.

3D Printed Multimaterial Microfluidic Valve.

PubMed

Keating, Steven J; Gariboldi, Maria Isabella; Patrick, William G; Sharma, Sunanda; Kong, David S; Oxman, Neri

2016-01-01

We present a novel 3D printed multimaterial microfluidic proportional valve. The microfluidic valve is a fundamental primitive that enables the development of programmable, automated devices for controlling fluids in a precise manner. We discuss valve characterization results, as well as exploratory design variations in channel width, membrane thickness, and membrane stiffness. Compared to previous single material 3D printed valves that are stiff, these printed valves constrain fluidic deformation spatially, through combinations of stiff and flexible materials, to enable intricate geometries in an actuated, functionally graded device. Research presented marks a shift towards 3D printing multi-property programmable fluidic devices in a single step, in which integrated multimaterial valves can be used to control complex fluidic reactions for a variety of applications, including DNA assembly and analysis, continuous sampling and sensing, and soft robotics.

Manipulating fluids: Advances in micro-fluidics, opto-fluidics and fluidic self assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vyawahare, Saurabh

This dissertation describes work in three inter-related areas---micro-fluidics, opto-fluidics and fluidic self-assembly. Micro-fluidics has gotten a boost in recent years with the development of multilayered elastomeric devices made of poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), allowing active elements like valves and pumps. However, while PDMS has many advantages, it is not resistant to organic solvents. New materials and/or new designs are needed for solvent resistance. I describe how novel fluorinated elastomers can replace PDMS when combined with the three dimensional (3-D) solid printing. I also show how another 3-D fabrication method, multilayer photo-lithography, allows for fabrication of devices integrating filters. In general, 3-D fabrications allow new kinds of micro-fluidic devices to be made that would be impossible to emulate with two dimensional chips. In opto-fluidics, I describe a number of experiments with quantum dots both inside and outside chips. Inside chips, I manipulate quantum dots using hydrodynamic focusing to pattern fine lines, like a barcode. Outside chips, I describe our attempts to create quantum dot composites with micro-spheres. I also show how evaporated gold films and chemical passivation can then be used to enhance the emission of quantum dots. Finally, within fluids, self assembly is an attractive way to manipulate materials, and I provide two examples: first, a DNA-based energy transfer molecule that relies on quantum mechanics and self-assembles inside fluids. This kind of molecular photonics mimics parts of the photosynthetic apparatus of plants and bacteria. The second example of self-assembly in fluids describes a new phenomena---the surface tension mediated self assembly of particles like quantum dots and micro-spheres into fine lines. This self assembly by capillary flows can be combined with photo-lithography, and is expected to find use in future nano- and micro-fabrication schemes. In conclusion, advances in fludics, integrating materials like quantum dots and solvent resistant elastomers along with 3-D fabrication and methods of self assembly, provide a new set of tools that significantly expand our control over fluids.

Interfacing 3D micro/nanochannels with a branch-shaped reservoir enhances fluid and mass transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Prasoon; Gandhi, Prasanna S.; Majumder, Mainak

2017-01-01

Three-dimensional (3D) micro/nanofluidic devices can accelerate progress in numerous fields such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, self-healing and cooling devices. However, efficient connections between networks of micro/nanochannels and external fluidic ports are key to successful applications of 3D micro/nanofluidic devices. Therefore, in this work, the extent of the role of reservoir geometry in interfacing with vascular (micro/nanochannel) networks, and in the enabling of connections with external fluidic ports while maintaining the compactness of devices, has been experimentally and theoretically investigated. A statistical modelling suggested that a branch-shaped reservoir demonstrates enhanced interfacing with vascular networks when compared to other regular geometries of reservoirs. Time-lapse dye flow experiments by capillary action through fabricated 3D micro/nanofluidic devices confirmed the connectivity of branch-shaped reservoirs with micro/nanochannel networks in fluidic devices. This demonstrated a ~2.2-fold enhancement of the volumetric flow rate in micro/nanofluidic networks when interfaced to branch-shaped reservoirs over rectangular reservoirs. The enhancement is due to a ~2.8-fold increase in the perimeter of the reservoirs. In addition, the mass transfer experiments exhibited a ~1.7-fold enhancement in solute flux across 3D micro/nanofluidic devices that interfaced with branch-shaped reservoirs when compared to rectangular reservoirs. The fabrication of 3D micro/nanofluidic devices and their efficient interfacing through branch-shaped reservoirs to an external fluidic port can potentially enable their use in complex applications, in which enhanced surface-to-volume interactions are desirable.

3D Printed Multimaterial Microfluidic Valve

PubMed Central

Patrick, William G.; Sharma, Sunanda; Kong, David S.; Oxman, Neri

2016-01-01

We present a novel 3D printed multimaterial microfluidic proportional valve. The microfluidic valve is a fundamental primitive that enables the development of programmable, automated devices for controlling fluids in a precise manner. We discuss valve characterization results, as well as exploratory design variations in channel width, membrane thickness, and membrane stiffness. Compared to previous single material 3D printed valves that are stiff, these printed valves constrain fluidic deformation spatially, through combinations of stiff and flexible materials, to enable intricate geometries in an actuated, functionally graded device. Research presented marks a shift towards 3D printing multi-property programmable fluidic devices in a single step, in which integrated multimaterial valves can be used to control complex fluidic reactions for a variety of applications, including DNA assembly and analysis, continuous sampling and sensing, and soft robotics. PMID:27525809

Microfluidic interconnects

DOEpatents

Benett, William J.; Krulevitch, Peter A.

2001-01-01

A miniature connector for introducing microliter quantities of solutions into microfabricated fluidic devices. The fluidic connector, for example, joins standard high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) tubing to 1 mm diameter holes in silicon or glass, enabling ml-sized volumes of sample solutions to be merged with .mu.l-sized devices. The connector has many features, including ease of connect and disconnect; a small footprint which enables numerous connectors to be located in a small area; low dead volume; helium leak-tight; and tubing does not twist during connection. Thus the connector enables easy and effective change of microfluidic devices and introduction of different solutions in the devices.

DNA Assembly in 3D Printed Fluidics

PubMed Central

Patrick, William G.; Nielsen, Alec A. K.; Keating, Steven J.; Levy, Taylor J.; Wang, Che-Wei; Rivera, Jaime J.; Mondragón-Palomino, Octavio; Carr, Peter A.; Voigt, Christopher A.; Oxman, Neri; Kong, David S.

2015-01-01

The process of connecting genetic parts—DNA assembly—is a foundational technology for synthetic biology. Microfluidics present an attractive solution for minimizing use of costly reagents, enabling multiplexed reactions, and automating protocols by integrating multiple protocol steps. However, microfluidics fabrication and operation can be expensive and requires expertise, limiting access to the technology. With advances in commodity digital fabrication tools, it is now possible to directly print fluidic devices and supporting hardware. 3D printed micro- and millifluidic devices are inexpensive, easy to make and quick to produce. We demonstrate Golden Gate DNA assembly in 3D-printed fluidics with reaction volumes as small as 490 nL, channel widths as fine as 220 microns, and per unit part costs ranging from $0.61 to $5.71. A 3D-printed syringe pump with an accompanying programmable software interface was designed and fabricated to operate the devices. Quick turnaround and inexpensive materials allowed for rapid exploration of device parameters, demonstrating a manufacturing paradigm for designing and fabricating hardware for synthetic biology. PMID:26716448

Interactions of vortices with a flexible beam with applications in fluidic energy harvesting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goushcha, O.; Elvin, N.; Andreopoulos, Y.

2014-01-13

A cantilever piezoelectric beam immersed in a flow and subjected to naturally occurring vortices such as those formed in the wake of bluff bodies can be used to generate electrical energy harvested in fluid flows. In this paper, we present the pressure distribution and deflection of a piezoelectric beam subjected to controlled vortices. A custom designed experimental facility is set up to study the interaction of individual and multiple vortices with the beam. Vortex tori are generated by an audio speaker and travel at controlled rates over the beam. Particle image velocimetry is used to measure the 2-D flow fieldmore » induced by each vortex and estimate the effect of pressure force on the beam deflection.« less

Embedding objects during 3D printing to add new functionalities.

PubMed

Yuen, Po Ki

2016-07-01

A novel method for integrating and embedding objects to add new functionalities during 3D printing based on fused deposition modeling (FDM) (also known as fused filament fabrication or molten polymer deposition) is presented. Unlike typical 3D printing, FDM-based 3D printing could allow objects to be integrated and embedded during 3D printing and the FDM-based 3D printed devices do not typically require any post-processing and finishing. Thus, various fluidic devices with integrated glass cover slips or polystyrene films with and without an embedded porous membrane, and optical devices with embedded Corning(®) Fibrance™ Light-Diffusing Fiber were 3D printed to demonstrate the versatility of the FDM-based 3D printing and embedding method. Fluid perfusion flow experiments with a blue colored food dye solution were used to visually confirm fluid flow and/or fluid perfusion through the embedded porous membrane in the 3D printed fluidic devices. Similar to typical 3D printed devices, FDM-based 3D printed devices are translucent at best unless post-polishing is performed and optical transparency is highly desirable in any fluidic devices; integrated glass cover slips or polystyrene films would provide a perfect optical transparent window for observation and visualization. In addition, they also provide a compatible flat smooth surface for biological or biomolecular applications. The 3D printed fluidic devices with an embedded porous membrane are applicable to biological or chemical applications such as continuous perfusion cell culture or biocatalytic synthesis but without the need for any post-device assembly and finishing. The 3D printed devices with embedded Corning(®) Fibrance™ Light-Diffusing Fiber would have applications in display, illumination, or optical applications. Furthermore, the FDM-based 3D printing and embedding method could also be utilized to print casting molds with an integrated glass bottom for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) device replication. These 3D printed glass bottom casting molds would result in PDMS replicas with a flat smooth bottom surface for better bonding and adhesion.

Clinical study using a new phacoemulsification system with surgical intraocular pressure control.

PubMed

Solomon, Kerry D; Lorente, Ramón; Fanney, Doug; Cionni, Robert J

2016-04-01

To compare cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), aspiration fluid used, and aspiration time during phacoemulsification cataract extraction using 2 surgical configurations. Two clinical sites in the United States and 1 in Spain. Prospective randomized clinical case series. For each patient, the first eye having surgery was randomized to the active-fluidics configuration (Centurion Vision System with Active Fluidics, 0.9 mm 45-degree Intrepid Balanced tip, and 0.9 mm Intrepid Ultra infusion sleeve) or the gravity-fluidics configuration (Infiniti Vision System with gravity fluidics, 0.9 mm 45-degree Mini-Flared Kelman tip, and 0.9 mm Ultra infusion sleeve). Second-eye surgery was completed within 14 days after first-eye surgery using the alternate configuration. The CDE, aspiration fluid used, and aspiration time were compared between configurations, and adverse events were summarized. Patient demographics and cataract characteristics were similar between configurations (100 per group). The CDE was significantly lower with the active-fluidics configuration than with the gravity-fluidics configuration (mean ± standard error, 4.32 ± 0.28 percent-seconds) (P < .001). The active-fluidics configuration used significantly less aspiration fluid than the gravity-fluidics configuration (mean 46.56 ± 1.39 mL versus 52.68 ± 1.40 mL) (P < .001) and required significantly shorter aspiration time (mean 151.9 ± 4.1 seconds versus 167.6 ± 4.1 seconds) (P < .001). No serious ocular adverse events related to the study devices or device deficiencies were observed. Significantly less CDE, aspiration fluid used, and aspiration time were observed with the active-fluidics configuration than with the gravity-fluidics configuration, showing improved surgical efficiency. Drs. Solomon and Cionni are consultants to Alcon Research, Ltd., and received compensation for conduct of the study. Dr. Lorente received compensation for clinical work in the study. Mr. Fanney is an employee of Alcon Research, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Compound hydraulic shear-modulated vortex amplifiers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldschmied, F. R.

1977-01-01

A novel two-stage shear-modulated hydraulic vortex amplifier (U.S. patent 3,520,317) has been fabricated and put through preliminary steady-state testing at the 1000 psi supply pressure level with flows up to 15 gpm. The invention comprises a conventional fluidic vortex power stage and a shear-modulated pilot stage. In the absence of any mechanical moving parts, water may be used as the hydraulic medium thus opening the way to many underseas applications. At blocked load, a control input from 0 to 150 psi was required to achieve an output from 0 to 900 psi; at wide-open load, a control input of 0 to 120 psi was needed to achieve an output from 0 to 15 gpm. The power stage has been found unsuitable for the proportional control mode because of its nonlinear performance in the intermediate load range and because of strong pressure fluctuations (plus or minus 150 psi) in the intermediate control range. The addition of the shear-modulated pilot stage improves intermediate load linearity.

Pressure driven digital logic in PDMS based microfluidic devices fabricated by multilayer soft lithography.

PubMed

Devaraju, Naga Sai Gopi K; Unger, Marc A

2012-11-21

Advances in microfluidics now allow an unprecedented level of parallelization and integration of biochemical reactions. However, one challenge still faced by the field has been the complexity and cost of the control hardware: one external pressure signal has been required for each independently actuated set of valves on chip. Using a simple post-modification to the multilayer soft lithography fabrication process, we present a new implementation of digital fluidic logic fully analogous to electronic logic with significant performance advances over the previous implementations. We demonstrate a novel normally closed static gain valve capable of modulating pressure signals in a fashion analogous to an electronic transistor. We utilize these valves to build complex fluidic logic circuits capable of arbitrary control of flows by processing binary input signals (pressure (1) and atmosphere (0)). We demonstrate logic gates and devices including NOT, NAND and NOR gates, bi-stable flip-flops, gated flip-flops (latches), oscillators, self-driven peristaltic pumps, delay flip-flops, and a 12-bit shift register built using static gain valves. This fluidic logic shows cascade-ability, feedback, programmability, bi-stability, and autonomous control capability. This implementation of fluidic logic yields significantly smaller devices, higher clock rates, simple designs, easy fabrication, and integration into MSL microfluidics.

On Emulation of Flueric Devices in Excitable Chemical Medium

PubMed Central

Adamatzky, Andrew

2016-01-01

Flueric devices are fluidic devices without moving parts. Fluidic devices use fluid as a medium for information transfer and computation. A Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) medium is a thin-layer spatially extended excitable chemical medium which exhibits travelling excitation wave-fronts. The excitation wave-fronts transfer information. Flueric devices compute via jets interaction. BZ devices compute via excitation wave-fronts interaction. In numerical model of BZ medium we show that functions of key flueric devices are implemented in the excitable chemical system: signal generator, and, xor, not and nor Boolean gates, delay elements, diodes and sensors. Flueric devices have been widely used in industry since late 1960s and are still employed in automotive and aircraft technologies. Implementation of analog of the flueric devices in the excitable chemical systems opens doors to further applications of excitation wave-based unconventional computing in soft robotics, embedded organic electronics and living technologies. PMID:27997561

On Emulation of Flueric Devices in Excitable Chemical Medium.

PubMed

Adamatzky, Andrew

2016-01-01

Flueric devices are fluidic devices without moving parts. Fluidic devices use fluid as a medium for information transfer and computation. A Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) medium is a thin-layer spatially extended excitable chemical medium which exhibits travelling excitation wave-fronts. The excitation wave-fronts transfer information. Flueric devices compute via jets interaction. BZ devices compute via excitation wave-fronts interaction. In numerical model of BZ medium we show that functions of key flueric devices are implemented in the excitable chemical system: signal generator, and, xor, not and nor Boolean gates, delay elements, diodes and sensors. Flueric devices have been widely used in industry since late 1960s and are still employed in automotive and aircraft technologies. Implementation of analog of the flueric devices in the excitable chemical systems opens doors to further applications of excitation wave-based unconventional computing in soft robotics, embedded organic electronics and living technologies.

Embedding objects during 3D printing to add new functionalities

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

A novel method for integrating and embedding objects to add new functionalities during 3D printing based on fused deposition modeling (FDM) (also known as fused filament fabrication or molten polymer deposition) is presented. Unlike typical 3D printing, FDM-based 3D printing could allow objects to be integrated and embedded during 3D printing and the FDM-based 3D printed devices do not typically require any post-processing and finishing. Thus, various fluidic devices with integrated glass cover slips or polystyrene films with and without an embedded porous membrane, and optical devices with embedded Corning® Fibrance™ Light-Diffusing Fiber were 3D printed to demonstrate the versatility of the FDM-based 3D printing and embedding method. Fluid perfusion flow experiments with a blue colored food dye solution were used to visually confirm fluid flow and/or fluid perfusion through the embedded porous membrane in the 3D printed fluidic devices. Similar to typical 3D printed devices, FDM-based 3D printed devices are translucent at best unless post-polishing is performed and optical transparency is highly desirable in any fluidic devices; integrated glass cover slips or polystyrene films would provide a perfect optical transparent window for observation and visualization. In addition, they also provide a compatible flat smooth surface for biological or biomolecular applications. The 3D printed fluidic devices with an embedded porous membrane are applicable to biological or chemical applications such as continuous perfusion cell culture or biocatalytic synthesis but without the need for any post-device assembly and finishing. The 3D printed devices with embedded Corning® Fibrance™ Light-Diffusing Fiber would have applications in display, illumination, or optical applications. Furthermore, the FDM-based 3D printing and embedding method could also be utilized to print casting molds with an integrated glass bottom for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) device replication. These 3D printed glass bottom casting molds would result in PDMS replicas with a flat smooth bottom surface for better bonding and adhesion. PMID:27478528

3D-Printed Fluidic Devices for Nanoparticle Preparation and Flow-Injection Amperometry Using Integrated Prussian Blue Nanoparticle-Modified Electrodes

PubMed Central

Bishop, Gregory W.; Satterwhite, Jennifer E.; Bhakta, Snehasis; Kadimisetty, Karteek; Gillette, Kelsey M.; Chen, Eric; Rusling, James F.

2015-01-01

A consumer-grade fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printer was used to construct fluidic devices for nanoparticle preparation and electrochemical sensing. Devices were printed using poly(ethylene terephthalate) and featured threaded ports to connect polyetheretherketone (PEEK) tubing via printed fittings prepared from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). These devices included channels designed to have 800 × 800 µm2 square cross sections and were semitransparent to allow visualization of the solution-filled channels. A 3D-printed device with a Y-shaped mixing channel was used to prepare Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) under flow rates of 100 to 2000 µL min−1. PBNPs were then attached to gold electrodes for hydrogen peroxide sensing. 3D-printed devices used for electrochemical measurements featured threaded access ports into which a fitting equipped with reference, counter, and PBNP-modified working electrodes could be inserted. PBNP-modified electrodes enabled amperometric detection of H2O2 in the 3D-printed channel by flow-injection analysis, exhibiting a detection limit of 100 nM and linear response up to 20 µM. These experiments show that a consumer-grade FFF printer can be used to fabricate low-cost fluidic devices for applications similar to those that have been reported with more expensive 3D-printing methods. PMID:25901660

Microfluidic interconnects

DOEpatents

Benett, William J.; Krulevitch, Peter A.

2001-01-01

A miniature connector for introducing microliter quantities of solutions into microfabricated fluidic devices, and which incorporates a molded ring or seal set into a ferrule cartridge, with or without a compression screw. The fluidic connector, for example, joins standard high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) tubing to 1 mm diameter holes in silicon or glass, enabling ml-sized volumes of sample solutions to be merged with .mu.l-sized devices. The connector has many features, including ease of connect and disconnect; a small footprint which enables numerous connectors to be located in a small area; low dead volume; helium leak-tight; and tubing does not twist during connection. Thus the connector enables easy and effective change of microfluidic devices and introduction of different solutions in the devices.

Bio-Inspired Multi-Functional Drug Transport Design Concept and Simulations.

PubMed

Pidaparti, Ramana M; Cartin, Charles; Su, Guoguang

2017-04-25

In this study, we developed a microdevice concept for drug/fluidic transport taking an inspiration from supramolecular motor found in biological cells. Specifically, idealized multi-functional design geometry (nozzle/diffuser/nozzle) was developed for (i) fluidic/particle transport; (ii) particle separation; and (iii) droplet generation. Several design simulations were conducted to demonstrate the working principles of the multi-functional device. The design simulations illustrate that the proposed design concept is feasible for multi-functionality. However, further experimentation and optimization studies are needed to fully evaluate the multifunctional device concept for multiple applications.

Integration of fluidic jet actuators in composite structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schueller, Martin; Lipowski, Mathias; Schirmer, Eckart; Walther, Marco; Otto, Thomas; Geßner, Thomas; Kroll, Lothar

2015-04-01

Fluidic Actuated Flow Control (FAFC) has been introduced as a technology that influences the boundary layer by actively blowing air through slots or holes in the aircraft skin or wind turbine rotor blade. Modern wing structures are or will be manufactured using composite materials. In these state of the art systems, AFC actuators are integrated in a hybrid approach. The new idea is to directly integrate the active fluidic elements (such as SJAs and PJAs) and their components in the structure of the airfoil. Consequently, the integration of such fluidic devices must fit the manufacturing process and the material properties of the composite structure. The challenge is to integrate temperature-sensitive active elements and to realize fluidic cavities at the same time. The transducer elements will be provided for the manufacturing steps using roll-to-roll processes. The fluidic parts of the actuators will be manufactured using the MuCell® process that provides on the one hand the defined reproduction of the fluidic structures and, on the other hand, a high light weight index. Based on the first design concept, a demonstrator was developed in order to proof the design approach. The output velocity on the exit was measured using a hot-wire anemometer.

Rewritable ferroelectric vortex pairs in BiFeO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yang; Jin, Yaming; Lu, Xiaomei; Yang, Jan-Chi; Chu, Ying-Hao; Huang, Fengzhen; Zhu, Jinsong; Cheong, Sang-Wook

2017-08-01

Ferroelectric vortex in multiferroic materials has been considered as a promising alternative to current memory cells for the merit of high storage density. However, the formation of regular natural ferroelectric vortex is difficult, restricting the achievement of vortex memory device. Here, we demonstrated the creation of ferroelectric vortex-antivortex pairs in BiFeO3 thin films by using local electric field. The evolution of the polar vortex structure is studied by piezoresponse force microscopy at nanoscale. The results reveal that the patterns and stability of vortex structures are sensitive to the poling position. Consecutive writing and erasing processes cause no influence on the original domain configuration. The Z4 proper coloring vortex-antivortex network is then analyzed by graph theory, which verifies the rationality of artificial vortex-antivortex pairs. This study paves a foundation for artificial regulation of vortex, which provides a possible pathway for the design and realization of non-volatile vortex memory devices and logical devices.

Polymer Coatings in 3D-Printed Fluidic Device Channels for Improved Cellular Adherence Prior to Electrical Lysis.

PubMed

Gross, Bethany C; Anderson, Kari B; Meisel, Jayda E; McNitt, Megan I; Spence, Dana M

2015-06-16

This paper describes the design and fabrication of a polyjet-based three-dimensional (3D)-printed fluidic device where poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) or polystyrene (PS) were used to coat the sides of a fluidic channel within the device to promote adhesion of an immobilized cell layer. The device was designed using computer-aided design software and converted into an .STL file prior to printing. The rigid, transparent material used in the printing process provides an optically transparent path to visualize endothelial cell adherence and supports integration of removable electrodes for electrical cell lysis in a specified portion of the channel (1 mm width × 0.8 mm height × 2 mm length). Through manipulation of channel geometry, a low-voltage power source (500 V max) was used to selectively lyse adhered endothelial cells in a tapered region of the channel. Cell viability was maintained on the device over a 5 day period (98% viable), though cell coverage decreased after day 4 with static media delivery. Optimal lysis potentials were obtained for the two fabricated device geometries, and selective cell clearance was achieved with cell lysis efficiencies of 94 and 96%. The bottleneck of unknown surface properties from proprietary resin use in fabricating 3D-printed materials is overcome through techniques to incorporate PDMS and PS.

Fluid Shearing for Accelerated Chemical Reactions - Fluid Mechanics in the VFD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leivadarou, Evgenia; Dalziel, Stuart; G. K. Batchelor Laboratory, Department of Applied Mathematics; Theoretical Physics Team

2016-11-01

The Vortex Fluidic Device (VFD) is a rapidly rotating tube that can operate under continuous flow with a jet feeding liquid reactants to the tube's hemispherical base. It is a new 'green' approach to the organic synthesis with many industrial applications in cosmetics, protein folding and pharmaceutical production. The rate of reaction in the VFD is enhanced when the collision rate is increased. The aim of the project is to explain the fluid mechanics and optimize the performance of the device. One contribution to the increased yield is believed to be the high levels of shear stress. We attempt to enhance the shear stress by achieving high velocity gradients in the boundary layers. Another factor is the uncontrolled vibrations due to imperfections in the bearings and therefore it is important to assess their influence in the initial spreading. The surface area of the film should be maximized with respect to the rotation rate, geometry and orientation of the tube, flow rate, wettability and contact line dynamics. Experiments are presented for a flat disk and a curved bowl, establishing the optimum height of release, rotation rate and tube orientation. Vibrations were imposed to investigate the changes in the film formation. We discuss the implications of our results in the VFD.

Encapsulation of Fluidic Tubing and Microelectrodes in Microfluidic Devices: Integrating Off-Chip Process and Coupling Conventional Capillary Electrophoresis with Electrochemical Detection

PubMed Central

Becirovic, Vedada; Doonan, Steven R.; Martin, R. Scott

2013-01-01

In this paper, an approach to fabricate epoxy or polystyrene microdevices with encapsulated tubing and electrodes is described. Key features of this approach include a fixed alignment between the fluidic tubing and electrodes, the ability to polish the device when desired, and the low dead volume nature of the fluidic interconnects. It is shown that a variety of tubing can be encapsulated with this approach, including fused silica capillary, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), with the resulting tubing/microchip interface not leading to significant band broadening or plug dilution. The applicability of the devices with embedded tubing is demonstrated by integrating several off-chip analytical methods to the microchip. This includes droplet transfer, droplet desegmentation, and microchip-based flow injection analysis. Off-chip generated droplets can be transferred to the microchip with minimal coalescence, while flow injection studies showed improved peak shape and sensitivity when compared to the use of fluidic interconnects with an appreciable dead volume. Importantly, it is shown that this low dead volume approach can be extended to also enable the integration of conventional capillary electrophoresis (CE) with electrochemical detection. This is accomplished by embedding fused silica capillary along with palladium (for grounding the electrophoresis voltage) and platinum (for detection) electrodes. With this approach, up to 128,000 theoretical plates for dopamine was possible. In all cases, the tubing and electrodes are housed in a rigid base; this results in extremely robust devices that will be of interest to researchers wanting to develop microchips for use by non-experts. PMID:24159363

Encapsulation of Fluidic Tubing and Microelectrodes in Microfluidic Devices: Integrating Off-Chip Process and Coupling Conventional Capillary Electrophoresis with Electrochemical Detection.

PubMed

Becirovic, Vedada; Doonan, Steven R; Martin, R Scott

2013-08-21

In this paper, an approach to fabricate epoxy or polystyrene microdevices with encapsulated tubing and electrodes is described. Key features of this approach include a fixed alignment between the fluidic tubing and electrodes, the ability to polish the device when desired, and the low dead volume nature of the fluidic interconnects. It is shown that a variety of tubing can be encapsulated with this approach, including fused silica capillary, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), with the resulting tubing/microchip interface not leading to significant band broadening or plug dilution. The applicability of the devices with embedded tubing is demonstrated by integrating several off-chip analytical methods to the microchip. This includes droplet transfer, droplet desegmentation, and microchip-based flow injection analysis. Off-chip generated droplets can be transferred to the microchip with minimal coalescence, while flow injection studies showed improved peak shape and sensitivity when compared to the use of fluidic interconnects with an appreciable dead volume. Importantly, it is shown that this low dead volume approach can be extended to also enable the integration of conventional capillary electrophoresis (CE) with electrochemical detection. This is accomplished by embedding fused silica capillary along with palladium (for grounding the electrophoresis voltage) and platinum (for detection) electrodes. With this approach, up to 128,000 theoretical plates for dopamine was possible. In all cases, the tubing and electrodes are housed in a rigid base; this results in extremely robust devices that will be of interest to researchers wanting to develop microchips for use by non-experts.

The recent development and applications of fluidic channels by 3D printing.

PubMed

Zhou, Yufeng

2017-10-18

The technology of "Lab-on-a-Chip" allows the synthesis and analysis of chemicals and biological substance within a portable or handheld device. The 3D printed structures enable precise control of various geometries. The combination of these two technologies in recent years makes a significant progress. The current approaches of 3D printing, such as stereolithography, polyjet, and fused deposition modeling, are introduced. Their manufacture specifications, such as surface roughness, resolution, replication fidelity, cost, and fabrication time, are compared with each other. Finally, novel application of 3D printed channel in biology are reviewed, including pathogenic bacteria detection using magnetic nanoparticle clusters in a helical microchannel, cell stimulation by 3D chemical gradients, perfused functional vascular channels, 3D tissue construct, organ-on-a-chip, and miniaturized fluidic "reactionware" devices for chemical syntheses. Overall, the 3D printed fluidic chip is becoming a powerful tool in the both medical and chemical industries.

Ultrathin Fluidic Laminates for Large‐Area Façade Integration and Smart Windows

PubMed Central

Heiz, Benjamin P. V.; Pan, Zhiwen; Lautenschläger, Gerhard; Sirtl, Christin; Kraus, Matthias

2016-01-01

Buildings represent more than 40% of Europe's energy demands and about one third of its CO2 emissions. Energy efficient buildings and, in particular, building skins have therefore been among the key priorities of international research agendas. Here, glass–glass fluidic devices are presented for large‐area integration with adaptive façades and smart windows. These devices enable harnessing and dedicated control of various liquids for added functionality in the building envelope. Combining a microstructured glass pane, a thin cover sheet with tailored mechanical performance, and a liquid for heat storage and transport, a flat‐panel laminate is generated with thickness adapted to a single glass sheet in conventional windows. Such multimaterial devices can be integrated with state‐of‐the‐art window glazings or façades to harvest and distribute thermal as well as solar energy by wrapping buildings into a fluidic layer. High visual transparency is achieved through adjusting the optical properties of the employed liquid. Also secondary functionality, such as chromatic windows, polychromatism, or adaptive energy uptake can be generated on part of the liquid. PMID:28331790

Ultrathin Fluidic Laminates for Large-Area Façade Integration and Smart Windows.

PubMed

Heiz, Benjamin P V; Pan, Zhiwen; Lautenschläger, Gerhard; Sirtl, Christin; Kraus, Matthias; Wondraczek, Lothar

2017-03-01

Buildings represent more than 40% of Europe's energy demands and about one third of its CO 2 emissions. Energy efficient buildings and, in particular, building skins have therefore been among the key priorities of international research agendas. Here, glass-glass fluidic devices are presented for large-area integration with adaptive façades and smart windows. These devices enable harnessing and dedicated control of various liquids for added functionality in the building envelope. Combining a microstructured glass pane, a thin cover sheet with tailored mechanical performance, and a liquid for heat storage and transport, a flat-panel laminate is generated with thickness adapted to a single glass sheet in conventional windows. Such multimaterial devices can be integrated with state-of-the-art window glazings or façades to harvest and distribute thermal as well as solar energy by wrapping buildings into a fluidic layer. High visual transparency is achieved through adjusting the optical properties of the employed liquid. Also secondary functionality, such as chromatic windows, polychromatism, or adaptive energy uptake can be generated on part of the liquid.

Flow-Field Measurement of Device-Induced Embedded Streamwise Vortex on a Flat Plate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yao, Chung-Sheng; Lin, John C.; Allan, Brian G.

2002-01-01

Detailed flow-field measurements were performed downstream of a single vortex generator (VG) using an advanced Stereo Digital Particle Image Velocimetry system. Thc passive flow-control devices examined consisted of a low-profile VG with a device height, h, approximately equal to 20 percent of the boundary-layer thickness, sigma, and a conventional VG with h is approximately sigma. Flow-field data were taken at twelve cross-flow planes downstream of the VG to document and quantify the evolution of embedded streamwise vortex. The effects of device angle of attack on vortex development downstream were compared between the low-profile VG and the conventional VG. Key parameters including vorticity, circulation, trajectory, and half-life radius - describing concentration, strength, path, and size, respectively--of the device-induced streamwise vortex were extracted from the flow-field data. The magnitude of maximum vorticity increases as angle of attack increases for the low-profile VG, but the trend is reversed for the conventional VG, probably due to flow stalling around the larger device at higher angles of attack. Peak vorticity and circulation for the low-profile VG decays exponentially and inversely proportional to the distance downstream from the device. The device-height normalized vortex trajectories for the low-profile VG, especially in the lateral direction, follow the general trends of the conventional VG. The experimental database was used to validate the predictive capability of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). CFD accurately predicts the vortex circulation and path; however, improvements are needed for predicting the vorticity strength and vortex size.

Bio-Inspired Multi-Functional Drug Transport Design Concept and Simulations †

PubMed Central

Pidaparti, Ramana M.; Cartin, Charles; Su, Guoguang

2017-01-01

In this study, we developed a microdevice concept for drug/fluidic transport taking an inspiration from supramolecular motor found in biological cells. Specifically, idealized multi-functional design geometry (nozzle/diffuser/nozzle) was developed for (i) fluidic/particle transport; (ii) particle separation; and (iii) droplet generation. Several design simulations were conducted to demonstrate the working principles of the multi-functional device. The design simulations illustrate that the proposed design concept is feasible for multi-functionality. However, further experimentation and optimization studies are needed to fully evaluate the multifunctional device concept for multiple applications. PMID:28952516

Investigation of Combustion Control in a Dump Combustor Using the Feedback Free Fluidic Oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meier, Eric J.; Casiano, Matthew J.; Anderson, William E.; Heister, Stephen D.

2015-01-01

A feedback free fluidic oscillator was designed and integrated into a single element rocket combustor with the goal of suppressing longitudinal combustion instabilities. The fluidic oscillator uses internal fluid dynamics to create an unsteady outlet jet at a specific frequency. An array of nine fluidic oscillators was tested to mimic modulated secondary oxidizer injection into the combustor dump plane. The combustor has a coaxial injector that uses gaseous methane and decomposed hydrogen peroxide with an overall O/F ratio of 11.7. A sonic choke plate on an actuator arm allows for continuous adjustment of the oxidizer post acoustics enabling the study of a variety of instability magnitudes. The fluidic oscillator unsteady outlet jet performance is compared against equivalent steady jet injection and a baseline design with no secondary oxidizer injection. At the most unstable operating conditions, the unsteady outlet jet saw a 67% reduction in the instability pressure oscillation magnitude when compared to the steady jet and baseline data. Additionally, computational fluid dynamics analysis of the combustor gives insight into the flow field interaction of the fluidic oscillators. The results indicate that open loop high frequency propellant modulation for combustion control can be achieved through fluidic devices that require no moving parts or electrical power to operate.

A versatile valving toolkit for automating fluidic operations in paper microfluidic devices.

PubMed

Toley, Bhushan J; Wang, Jessica A; Gupta, Mayuri; Buser, Joshua R; Lafleur, Lisa K; Lutz, Barry R; Fu, Elain; Yager, Paul

2015-03-21

Failure to utilize valving and automation techniques has restricted the complexity of fluidic operations that can be performed in paper microfluidic devices. We developed a toolkit of paper microfluidic valves and methods for automatic valve actuation using movable paper strips and fluid-triggered expanding elements. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first functional demonstration of this valving strategy in paper microfluidics. After introduction of fluids on devices, valves can actuate automatically after a) a certain period of time, or b) the passage of a certain volume of fluid. Timing of valve actuation can be tuned with greater than 8.5% accuracy by changing lengths of timing wicks, and we present timed on-valves, off-valves, and diversion (channel-switching) valves. The actuators require ~30 μl fluid to actuate and the time required to switch from one state to another ranges from ~5 s for short to ~50 s for longer wicks. For volume-metered actuation, the size of a metering pad can be adjusted to tune actuation volume, and we present two methods - both methods can achieve greater than 9% accuracy. Finally, we demonstrate the use of these valves in a device that conducts a multi-step assay for the detection of the malaria protein PfHRP2. Although slightly more complex than devices that do not have moving parts, this valving and automation toolkit considerably expands the capabilities of paper microfluidic devices. Components of this toolkit can be used to conduct arbitrarily complex, multi-step fluidic operations on paper-based devices, as demonstrated in the malaria assay device.

A versatile valving toolkit for automating fluidic operations in paper microfluidic devices

PubMed Central

Toley, Bhushan J.; Wang, Jessica A.; Gupta, Mayuri; Buser, Joshua R.; Lafleur, Lisa K.; Lutz, Barry R.; Fu, Elain; Yager, Paul

2015-01-01

Failure to utilize valving and automation techniques has restricted the complexity of fluidic operations that can be performed in paper microfluidic devices. We developed a toolkit of paper microfluidic valves and methods for automatic valve actuation using movable paper strips and fluid-triggered expanding elements. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first functional demonstration of this valving strategy in paper microfluidics. After introduction of fluids on devices, valves can actuate automatically a) after a certain period of time, or b) after the passage of a certain volume of fluid. Timing of valve actuation can be tuned with greater than 8.5% accuracy by changing lengths of timing wicks, and we present timed on-valves, off-valves, and diversion (channel-switching) valves. The actuators require ~30 μl fluid to actuate and the time required to switch from one state to another ranges from ~5 s for short to ~50s for longer wicks. For volume-metered actuation, the size of a metering pad can be adjusted to tune actuation volume, and we present two methods – both methods can achieve greater than 9% accuracy. Finally, we demonstrate the use of these valves in a device that conducts a multi-step assay for the detection of the malaria protein PfHRP2. Although slightly more complex than devices that do not have moving parts, this valving and automation toolkit considerably expands the capabilities of paper microfluidic devices. Components of this toolkit can be used to conduct arbitrarily complex, multi-step fluidic operations on paper-based devices, as demonstrated in the malaria assay device. PMID:25606810

A characteristic analysis of the fluidic muscle cylinder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dong-Soo; Bae, Sang-Kyu; Hong, Sung-In

2005-12-01

The fluidic muscle cylinder consists of an air bellows tube, flanges and lock nuts. It's features are softness of material and motion, simplicity of structure, low production cost and high power efficiency. Recently, unlikely the pneumatic cylinder, the fluidic muscle cylinder without air leakage, stick slip, friction, and seal was developed as a new concept actuator. It has the characteristics such as light weight, low price, high response, durable design, long life, high power, high contraction, which is innovative product fulfilling RT(Robot Technology) which is one of the nation-leading next generation strategy technologies 6T as well as cleanness technology. The application fields of the fluidic muscle cylinder are so various like fatigue tester, brake, accelerator, high technology testing device such as driving simulator, precise position, velocity, intelligent servo actuator under special environment such as load controlling system, and intelligent robot. In this study, we carried out the finite element modeling and analysis about the main design variables such as contraction ration and force, diameter increment of fluidic muscle cylinder. On the basis of finite element analysis, the prototype of fluidic muscle cylinder was manufactured and tested. Finally, we compared the results between the test and the finite element analysis.

Engineering of superconductors and superconducting devices using artificial pinning sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wördenweber, Roger

2017-08-01

Vortex matter in superconducting films and devices is not only an interesting topic for basic research but plays a substantial role in the applications of superconductivity in general. We demonstrate, that in most electronic applications, magnetic flux penetrates the superconductor and affects the performance of superconducting devices. Therefore, vortex manipulation turns out to be a useful tool to avoid degradation of superconducting device properties. Moreover, it can also be used to analyze and understand novel and interesting physical properties and develop new concepts for superconductor applications. In this review, various concepts for vortex manipulation are sketched. For example, the use of micro- and nanopatterns (especially, antidots) for guiding and trapping of vortices in superconducting films and thin film devices is discussed and experimental evidence of their vortex guidance and vortex trapping by various arrangements of antidots is given. We demonstrate, that the vortex state of matter is very important in applications of superconductivity. A better understanding does not only lead to an improvement of the performance of superconductor components, such as reduced noise, better power handling capability, or improved reliability, it also promises deeper insight into the basic physics of vortices and vortex matter.

Polymer-Based Dense Fluidic Networks for High Throughput Screening with Ultrasensitive Fluorescence Detection

PubMed Central

Okagbare, Paul I.; Soper, Steven A.

2011-01-01

Microfluidics represents a viable platform for performing High Throughput Screening (HTS) due to its ability to automate fluid handling and generate fluidic networks with high number densities over small footprints appropriate for the simultaneous optical interrogation of many screening assays. While most HTS campaigns depend on fluorescence, readers typically use point detection and serially address the assay results significantly lowering throughput or detection sensitivity due to a low duty cycle. To address this challenge, we present here the fabrication of a high density microfluidic network packed into the imaging area of a large field-of-view (FoV) ultrasensitive fluorescence detection system. The fluidic channels were 1, 5 or 10 μm (width), 1 μm (depth) with a pitch of 1–10 μm and each fluidic processor was individually addressable. The fluidic chip was produced from a molding tool using hot embossing and thermal fusion bonding to enclose the fluidic channels. A 40X microscope objective (numerical aperture = 0.75) created a FoV of 200 μm, providing the ability to interrogate ~25 channels using the current fluidic configuration. An ultrasensitive fluorescence detection system with a large FoV was used to transduce fluorescence signals simultaneously from each fluidic processor onto the active area of an electron multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD). The utility of these multichannel networks for HTS was demonstrated by carrying out the high throughput monitoring of the activity of an enzyme, APE1, used as a model screening assay. PMID:20872611

Devices that Alter the Tip Vortex of a Rotor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McAlister, Kenneth W.; Tung, Chee; Heineck, James T.

2001-01-01

Small devices were attached near the tip of a hovering rotor blade 'in order to alter the structure and trajectory of the trailing vortex. Stereo particle image velocimetry (PIV) images were used to quantify the wake behind the rotor blade during the first revolution. A procedure for analyzing the 3D-velocity field is presented that includes a method for accounting for vortex wander. The results show that a vortex generator can alter the trajectory of the trailing vortex and that a major change in the size and intensity of the trailing vortex can be achieved by introducing a high level of turbulence into the core of the vortex.

Integrated LTCC pressure/flow/temperature multisensor for compressed air diagnostics.

PubMed

Fournier, Yannick; Maeder, Thomas; Boutinard-Rouelle, Grégoire; Barras, Aurélie; Craquelin, Nicolas; Ryser, Peter

2010-01-01

We present a multisensor designed for industrial compressed air diagnostics and combining the measurement of pressure, flow, and temperature, integrated with the corresponding signal conditioning electronics in a single low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) package. The developed sensor may be soldered onto an integrated electro-fluidic platform by using standard surface mount device (SMD) technology, e.g., as a standard electronic component would be on a printed circuit board, obviating the need for both wires and tubes and thus paving the road towards low-cost integrated electro-fluidic systems. Several performance aspects of this device are presented and discussed, together with electronics design issues.

Integrated LTCC Pressure/Flow/Temperature Multisensor for Compressed Air Diagnostics†

PubMed Central

Fournier, Yannick; Maeder, Thomas; Boutinard-Rouelle, Grégoire; Barras, Aurélie; Craquelin, Nicolas; Ryser, Peter

2010-01-01

We present a multisensor designed for industrial compressed air diagnostics and combining the measurement of pressure, flow, and temperature, integrated with the corresponding signal conditioning electronics in a single low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) package. The developed sensor may be soldered onto an integrated electro-fluidic platform by using standard surface mount device (SMD) technology, e.g., as a standard electronic component would be on a printed circuit board, obviating the need for both wires and tubes and thus paving the road towards low-cost integrated electro-fluidic systems. Several performance aspects of this device are presented and discussed, together with electronics design issues. PMID:22163518

Internal Fluid Dynamics and Frequency Scaling of Sweeping Jet Fluidic Oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Jung Hee; Salazar, Erik; Mittal, Rajat

2017-11-01

Sweeping jet fluidic oscillators (SJFOs) are devices that produce a spatially oscillating jet solely based on intrinsic flow instability mechanisms without any moving parts. Recently, SJFOs have emerged as effective actuators for flow control, but the internal fluid dynamics of the device that drives the oscillatory flow mechanism is not yet fully understood. In the current study, the internal fluid dynamics of the fluidic oscillator with feedback channels has been investigated by employing incompressible flow simulations. The study is focused on the oscillation mechanisms and scaling laws that underpin the jet oscillation. Based on the simulation results, simple phenomenological models that connect the jet deflection to the feedback flow are developed. Several geometric modifications are considered in order to explore the characteristic length scales and phase relationships associated with the jet oscillation and to assess the proposed phenomenological model. A scaling law for the jet oscillation frequency is proposed based on the detailed analysis. This research is supported by AFOSR Grant FA9550-14-1-0289 monitored by Dr. Douglas Smith.

Fabrication of self-enclosed nanochannels based on capillary-pressure balance mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kou, Yu; Sang, Aixia; Li, Xin; Wang, Xudi

2017-10-01

Polymer-based micro/nano fluidic devices are becoming increasingly important to biological applications and fluidic control. In this paper, we propose a self-enclosure method for the fabrication of large-area nanochannels without external force by using a capillary-pressure balance mechanism. The melt polymer coated on the nanogrooves fills into the trenches inevitably and the air in the trenches is not excluded but compressed, which leads to an equilibrium state between pressure of the trapped air and capillary force of melt polymer eventually, resulting in the channels’ formation. A pressure balance model was proposed to elucidate the unique self-sealing phenomenon and the criteria for the design and construction of sealed channels was discussed. According to the bonding mechanism investigated using the volume of fluid (VOF) simulation and experiments, we can control the dimension of sealed channels by varying the baking condition. This fabrication technique has great potential for low-cost and mass production of polymeric-based micro/nano fluidic devices.

Numerical Studies of a Fluidic Diverter for Flow Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gokoglu, Suleyman A.; Kuczmarski, Maria A.; Culley, Dennis E.; Raghu, Surya

2009-01-01

The internal flow structure in a specific fluidic diverter is studied over a range from low subsonic to sonic inlet conditions by a time-dependent numerical analysis. The understanding will aid in the development of fluidic diverters with minimum pressure losses and advanced designs of flow control actuators. The velocity, temperature and pressure fields are calculated for subsonic conditions and the self-induced oscillatory behavior of the flow is successfully predicted. The results of our numerical studies have excellent agreement with our experimental measurements of oscillation frequencies. The acoustic speed in the gaseous medium is determined to be a key factor for up to sonic conditions in governing the mechanism of initiating the oscillations as well as determining its frequency. The feasibility of employing plasma actuation with a minimal perturbation level is demonstrated in steady-state calculations to also produce oscillation frequencies of our own choosing instead of being dependent on the fixed-geometry fluidic device.

Rigorous buoyancy driven bubble mixing for centrifugal microfluidics.

PubMed

Burger, S; Schulz, M; von Stetten, F; Zengerle, R; Paust, N

2016-01-21

We present batch-mode mixing for centrifugal microfluidics operated at fixed rotational frequency. Gas is generated by the disk integrated decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to liquid water (H2O) and gaseous oxygen (O2) and inserted into a mixing chamber. There, bubbles are formed that ascent through the liquid in the artificial gravity field and lead to drag flow. Additionaly, strong buoyancy causes deformation and rupture of the gas bubbles and induces strong mixing flows in the liquids. Buoyancy driven bubble mixing is quantitatively compared to shake mode mixing, mixing by reciprocation and vortex mixing. To determine mixing efficiencies in a meaningful way, the different mixers are employed for mixing of a lysis reagent and human whole blood. Subsequently, DNA is extracted from the lysate and the amount of DNA recovered is taken as a measure for mixing efficiency. Relative to standard vortex mixing, DNA extraction based on buoyancy driven bubble mixing resulted in yields of 92 ± 8% (100 s mixing time) and 100 ± 8% (600 s) at 130g centrifugal acceleration. Shake mode mixing yields 96 ± 11% and is thus equal to buoyancy driven bubble mixing. An advantage of buoyancy driven bubble mixing is that it can be operated at fixed rotational frequency, however. The additional costs of implementing buoyancy driven bubble mixing are low since both the activation liquid and the catalyst are very low cost and no external means are required in the processing device. Furthermore, buoyancy driven bubble mixing can easily be integrated in a monolithic manner and is compatible to scalable manufacturing technologies such as injection moulding or thermoforming. We consider buoyancy driven bubble mixing an excellent alternative to shake mode mixing, in particular if the processing device is not capable of providing fast changes of rotational frequency or if the low average rotational frequency is challenging for the other integrated fluidic operations.

Application of fluidic lens technology to an adaptive holographic optical element see-through autophoropter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chancy, Carl H.

A device for performing an objective eye exam has been developed to automatically determine ophthalmic prescriptions. The closed loop fluidic auto-phoropter has been designed, modeled, fabricated and tested for the automatic measurement and correction of a patient's prescriptions. The adaptive phoropter is designed through the combination of a spherical-powered fluidic lens and two cylindrical fluidic lenses that are orientated 45o relative to each other. In addition, the system incorporates Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensing technology to identify the eye's wavefront error and corresponding prescription. Using the wavefront error information, the fluidic auto-phoropter nulls the eye's lower order wavefront error by applying the appropriate volumes to the fluidic lenses. The combination of the Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor the fluidic auto-phoropter allows for the identification and control of spherical refractive error, as well as cylinder error and axis; thus, creating a truly automated refractometer and corrective system. The fluidic auto-phoropter is capable of correcting defocus error ranging from -20D to 20D and astigmatism from -10D to 10D. The transmissive see-through design allows for the observation of natural scenes through the system at varying object planes with no additional imaging optics in the patient's line of sight. In this research, two generations of the fluidic auto-phoropter are designed and tested; the first generation uses traditional glass optics for the measurement channel. The second generation of the fluidic auto-phoropter takes advantage of the progress in the development of holographic optical elements (HOEs) to replace all the traditional glass optics. The addition of the HOEs has enabled the development of a more compact, inexpensive and easily reproducible system without compromising its performance. Additionally, the fluidic lenses were tested during a National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) parabolic flight campaign, to determine the effect of varying gravitational acceleration on the performance and image quality of the fluidic lenses. Wavefront analysis has indicated that flight turbulence and the varying levels of gravitational acceleration ranging from zero-G (microgravity) to 2G (hypergravity) had minimal effect on the performance of the fluidic lenses, except for small changes in defocus; making them suitable for potential use in a portable space-based fluidic auto-phoropter.

Photopatterned materials in bioanalytical microfluidic technology

PubMed Central

Tentori, Augusto M.; Herr, Amy E.

2011-01-01

Microfluidic technologies are playing an increasingly important role in biological inquiry. Sophisticated approaches to the microanalysis of biological specimens rely, in part, on the fine fluid and material control offered by microtechnology, as well as a sufficient capacity for systems integration. A suite of techniques that utilize photopatterning of polymers on fluidic surfaces, within fluidic volumes, and as primary device structures underpins recent technological innovation in bioanalysis. Well-characterized photopatterning approaches enable previously fabricated or commercially fabricated devices to be customized by the user in a straight-forward manner, making the tools accessible to laboratories that do not focus on microfabrication technology innovation. In this review of recent advances, we summarize reported microfluidic devices with photopatterned structures and regions as platforms for a diverse set of biological measurements and assays. PMID:21857772

High-Rate Assembly of Nanomaterials on Insulating Surfaces Using Electro-Fluidic Directed Assembly.

PubMed

Yilmaz, Cihan; Sirman, Asli; Halder, Aditi; Busnaina, Ahmed

2017-08-22

Conductive or semiconducting nanomaterials-based applications such as electronics and sensors often require direct placement of such nanomaterials on insulating surfaces. Most fluidic-based directed assembly techniques on insulating surfaces utilize capillary force and evaporation but are diffusion limited and slow. Electrophoretic-based assembly, on the other hand, is fast but can only be utilized for assembly on a conductive surface. Here, we present a directed assembly technique that enables rapid assembly of nanomaterials on insulating surfaces. The approach leverages and combines fluidic and electrophoretic assembly by applying the electric field through an insulating surface via a conductive film underneath. The approach (called electro-fluidic) yields an assembly process that is 2 orders of magnitude faster compared to fluidic assembly. By understanding the forces on the assembly process, we have demonstrated the controlled assembly of various types of nanomaterials that are conducting, semiconducting, and insulating including nanoparticles and single-walled carbon nanotubes on insulating rigid and flexible substrates. The presented approach shows great promise for making practical devices in miniaturized sensors and flexible electronics.

Droplet Microfluidics for Chip-Based Diagnostics

PubMed Central

Kaler, Karan V. I. S.; Prakash, Ravi

2014-01-01

Droplet microfluidics (DMF) is a fluidic handling technology that enables precision control over dispensing and subsequent manipulation of droplets in the volume range of microliters to picoliters, on a micro-fabricated device. There are several different droplet actuation methods, all of which can generate external stimuli, to either actively or passively control the shape and positioning of fluidic droplets over patterned substrates. In this review article, we focus on the operation and utility of electro-actuation-based DMF devices, which utilize one or more micro-/nano-patterned substrates to facilitate electric field-based handling of chemical and/or biological samples. The underlying theory of DMF actuations, device fabrication methods and integration of optical and opto-electronic detectors is discussed in this review. Example applications of such electro-actuation-based DMF devices have also been included, illustrating the various actuation methods and their utility in conducting chip-based laboratory and clinical diagnostic assays. PMID:25490590

Separation control by vortex generator devices in a transonic channel flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bur, Reynald; Coponet, Didier; Carpels, Yves

2009-12-01

An experimental study was conducted in a transonic channel to control by mechanical vortex generator devices the strong interaction between a shock wave and a separated turbulent boundary layer. Control devices—co-rotating and counter-rotating vane-type vortex generators—were implemented upstream of the shock foot region and tested both on a steady shock wave and on a forced shock oscillation configurations. The spanwise spacing of vortex generator devices along the channel appeared to be an important parameter to control the flow separation region. When the distance between each device is decreased, the vortices merging is more efficient to reduce the separation. Their placement upstream of the shock wave is determinant to ensure that vortices have mixed momentum all spanwise long before they reach the separation line, so as to avoid separation cells. Then, vortex generators slightly reduced the amplitude of the forced shock wave oscillation by delaying the upstream displacement of the leading shock.

Model experiments to evaluate vortex dissipation devices proposed for installation on or near aircraft runways

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kohl, R. E.

1973-01-01

The effectiveness of various vortex dissipation devices proposed for installation on or near aircraft runways is evaluated on basis of results of experiments conducted with a 0.03-scale model of a Boeing 747 transport aircraft in conjunction with a simulated runway. The test variables included type of vortex dissipation device, mode of operation of the powered devices, and altitude, lift coefficient and speed of the generating aircraft. A total of fifteen devices was investigated. The evaluation is based on time sequence photographs taken in the vertical and horizontal planes during each run.

Antivortex Device for Multi-Outlet Liquid Reservoir

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grayson, Gary David (Inventor); Addison, Stephen Michael (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A liquid reservoir with a sump includes at least two outlet ports in fluid communication with a fluid conduit. An anti-vortex device includes a first plate extending across the at least two outlet ports and a second plate coupled to the first plate and extending substantially perpendicular to the first plate. The anti-vortex device is configured to disrupt formation of a vortex formed by liquid passing from the reservoir through said outlet ports.

Microfluidic devices with thick-film electrochemical detection

DOEpatents

Wang, Joseph; Tian, Baomin; Sahlin, Eskil

2005-04-12

An apparatus for conducting a microfluidic process and analysis, including at least one elongated microfluidic channel, fluidic transport means for transport of fluids through the microfluidic channel, and at least one thick-film electrode in fluidic connection with the outlet end of the microfluidic channel. The present invention includes an integrated on-chip combination reaction, separation and thick-film electrochemical detection microsystem, for use in detection of a wide range of analytes, and methods for the use thereof.

A simple method for the evaluation of microfluidic architecture using flow quantitation via a multiplexed fluidic resistance measurement.

PubMed

Leslie, Daniel C; Melnikoff, Brett A; Marchiarullo, Daniel J; Cash, Devin R; Ferrance, Jerome P; Landers, James P

2010-08-07

Quality control of microdevices adds significant costs, in time and money, to any fabrication process. A simple, rapid quantitative method for the post-fabrication characterization of microchannel architecture using the measurement of flow with volumes relevant to microfluidics is presented. By measuring the mass of a dye solution passed through the device, it circumvents traditional gravimetric and interface-tracking methods that suffer from variable evaporation rates and the increased error associated with smaller volumes. The multiplexed fluidic resistance (MFR) measurement method measures flow via stable visible-wavelength dyes, a standard spectrophotometer and common laboratory glassware. Individual dyes are used as molecular markers of flow for individual channels, and in channel architectures where multiple channels terminate at a common reservoir, spectral deconvolution reveals the individual flow contributions. On-chip, this method was found to maintain accurate flow measurement at lower flow rates than the gravimetric approach. Multiple dyes are shown to allow for independent measurement of multiple flows on the same device simultaneously. We demonstrate that this technique is applicable for measuring the fluidic resistance, which is dependent on channel dimensions, in four fluidically connected channels simultaneously, ultimately determining that one chip was partially collapsed and, therefore, unusable for its intended purpose. This method is thus shown to be widely useful in troubleshooting microfluidic flow characteristics.

Triggering vacuum capillaries for pneumatic pumping and metering liquids in point-of-care immunoassays.

PubMed

Weng, Kuo-Yao; Chou, Nien-Jen; Cheng, Jya-Wei

2008-07-01

An innovative vacuum capillary pneumatic actuation concept that can be used for point-of-care testing has been investigated. The vacuum glass capillaries are encapsulated within a laminated pouch and incorporated into the fluidic card. Vacuum glass capillaries broken by external force such as finger pressure, generate the pneumatic forces to induce liquid flow in the fluidic system. The sizes of vacuum capillary play a vital role in the pumping and metering functions of the system. The luteinizing hormone (LH) chromatographic immunoassay performances in the fluidic cards show consistency comparable to that obtained by manual micropipetting. The vacuum capillary pneumatic actuation will be applied in other complex handling step bioassays and lab-on-a-chip devices.

Review of vortex tube expansion in vapour compression refrigeration system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yefeng; Yu, Jun

2018-05-01

A vortex tube expansion device replacing the throttle valve is proposed to improve the efficiency of vapour compression refrigeration cycle by reducing the loss of irreversibility in expansion process. The vortex tube is well-suited for these applications because it is simple, compact, light, quiet. Thus, this paper presents an overview of the thermodynamic analysis of vapour compression refrigeration cycle with vortex tube expansion device using different refrigerants. The paper also reviews the experiments and the calculations presented in previous studies on temperature separation in the vortex tube. The temperature separation mechanism and the flow-field inside the vortex tubes is explored by measuring the pressure, velocity, and temperature fields.

Microfluidic circuit designs for performing fluidic manipulations that reduce the number of pumping sources and fluid reservoirs

DOEpatents

Jacobson, Stephen C [Knoxville, TN; Ramsey, J Michael [Knoxville, TN

2001-01-01

A microfabricated device and method for proportioning and mixing biological or chemical materials by pressure- or vacuum-driven flow is disclosed. The microfabricated device mixes a plurality of materials in volumetric proportions controlled by the flow resistances of tributary reagent channels through which the materials are transported. The microchip includes two or more tributary reagent channels combining at one or more junctions to form one or more mixing channels. By varying the geometries of the channels (length, cross section, etc.), a plurality of reagent materials can be mixed at a junction such that the proportions of the reagent materials in the mixing channel depend on a ratio of the channel geometries and material properties. Such an approach facilitates flow division on the microchip without relying on techniques external to the microchip. Microchannel designs that provide the necessary flow division to accomplish valving operations using a minimum of pressure or vacuum sources are also described. In addition, microchannel designs that accomplish fluidic operation utilizing a minimal number of fluidic reservoirs are disclosed.

Characteristic analysis and experimental evaluation of artificial pneumatic cylinder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dong-Soo; Bae, Sang-Kyu; Choi, Kyung-Hyun

2005-12-01

The fluidic muscle cylinder consists of an air bellows tube, flanges and lock nuts. Its features are softness of material and motion, simplicity of structure, low production cost and high power efficiency. Recently, unlikely the pneumatic cylinder, the fluidic muscle cylinder without air leakage, stick slip, friction, and seal was developed as a new concept actuator. It has the characteristics such as light weight, low price, high response, durable design, long life, high power, high contraction, which is innovative product fulfilling RT(Robot Technology) which is one of the nation-leading next generation strategy technologies 6T as well as cleanness technology. The application fields of the fluidic muscle cylinder are so various like fatigue tester, brake, accelerator, high technology testing device such as driving simulator, precise position, velocity, intelligent servo actuator under special environment such as load controlling system, and intelligent robot. In this study, we carried out the finite element modeling and analysis about the main design variables such as contraction ration and force, diameter increment of fluidic muscle cylinder. On the basis of finite element analysis, the prototype of fluidic muscle cylinder was fabricated and tested. Finally, we compared the results between the test and the finite element analysis.

A microfluidic device for simultaneous measurement of viscosity and flow rate of blood in a complex fluidic network

PubMed Central

Jun Kang, Yang; Yeom, Eunseop; Lee, Sang-Joon

2013-01-01

Blood viscosity has been considered as one of important biophysical parameters for effectively monitoring variations in physiological and pathological conditions of circulatory disorders. Standard previous methods make it difficult to evaluate variations of blood viscosity under cardiopulmonary bypass procedures or hemodialysis. In this study, we proposed a unique microfluidic device for simultaneously measuring viscosity and flow rate of whole blood circulating in a complex fluidic network including a rat, a reservoir, a pinch valve, and a peristaltic pump. To demonstrate the proposed method, a twin-shaped microfluidic device, which is composed of two half-circular chambers, two side channels with multiple indicating channels, and one bridge channel, was carefully designed. Based on the microfluidic device, three sequential flow controls were applied to identify viscosity and flow rate of blood, with label-free and sensorless detection. The half-circular chamber was employed to achieve mechanical membrane compliance for flow stabilization in the microfluidic device. To quantify the effect of flow stabilization on flow fluctuations, a formula of pulsation index (PI) was analytically derived using a discrete fluidic circuit model. Using the PI formula, the time constant contributed by the half-circular chamber is estimated to be 8 s. Furthermore, flow fluctuations resulting from the peristaltic pumps are completely removed, especially under periodic flow conditions within short periods (T < 10 s). For performance demonstrations, the proposed method was applied to evaluate blood viscosity with respect to varying flow rate conditions [(a) known blood flow rate via a syringe pump, (b) unknown blood flow rate via a peristaltic pump]. As a result, the flow rate and viscosity of blood can be simultaneously measured with satisfactory accuracy. In addition, the proposed method was successfully applied to identify the viscosity of rat blood, which circulates in a complex fluidic network. These observations confirm that the proposed method can be used for simultaneous measurement of viscosity and flow rate of whole blood circulating in the complex fluid network, with sensorless and label-free detection. Furthermore, the proposed method will be used in evaluating variations in the viscosity of human blood during cardiopulmonary bypass procedures or hemodialysis. PMID:24404074

A microfluidic device for simultaneous measurement of viscosity and flow rate of blood in a complex fluidic network.

PubMed

Jun Kang, Yang; Yeom, Eunseop; Lee, Sang-Joon

2013-01-01

Blood viscosity has been considered as one of important biophysical parameters for effectively monitoring variations in physiological and pathological conditions of circulatory disorders. Standard previous methods make it difficult to evaluate variations of blood viscosity under cardiopulmonary bypass procedures or hemodialysis. In this study, we proposed a unique microfluidic device for simultaneously measuring viscosity and flow rate of whole blood circulating in a complex fluidic network including a rat, a reservoir, a pinch valve, and a peristaltic pump. To demonstrate the proposed method, a twin-shaped microfluidic device, which is composed of two half-circular chambers, two side channels with multiple indicating channels, and one bridge channel, was carefully designed. Based on the microfluidic device, three sequential flow controls were applied to identify viscosity and flow rate of blood, with label-free and sensorless detection. The half-circular chamber was employed to achieve mechanical membrane compliance for flow stabilization in the microfluidic device. To quantify the effect of flow stabilization on flow fluctuations, a formula of pulsation index (PI) was analytically derived using a discrete fluidic circuit model. Using the PI formula, the time constant contributed by the half-circular chamber is estimated to be 8 s. Furthermore, flow fluctuations resulting from the peristaltic pumps are completely removed, especially under periodic flow conditions within short periods (T < 10 s). For performance demonstrations, the proposed method was applied to evaluate blood viscosity with respect to varying flow rate conditions [(a) known blood flow rate via a syringe pump, (b) unknown blood flow rate via a peristaltic pump]. As a result, the flow rate and viscosity of blood can be simultaneously measured with satisfactory accuracy. In addition, the proposed method was successfully applied to identify the viscosity of rat blood, which circulates in a complex fluidic network. These observations confirm that the proposed method can be used for simultaneous measurement of viscosity and flow rate of whole blood circulating in the complex fluid network, with sensorless and label-free detection. Furthermore, the proposed method will be used in evaluating variations in the viscosity of human blood during cardiopulmonary bypass procedures or hemodialysis.

Plasmofluidics: Merging Light and Fluids at the Micro-/Nano-Scale

PubMed Central

Wang, Mingsong; Zhao, Chenglong; Miao, Xiaoyu; Zhao, Yanhui; Rufo, Joseph

2016-01-01

Plasmofluidics is the synergistic integration of plasmonics and micro/nano fluidics in devices and applications in order to enhance performance. There has been significant progress in the emerging field of plasmofluidics in recent years. By utilizing the capability of plasmonics to manipulate light at the nanoscale, combined with the unique optical properties of fluids, and precise manipulation via micro/nano fluidics, plasmofluidic technologies enable innovations in lab-on-a-chip systems, reconfigurable photonic devices, optical sensing, imaging, and spectroscopy. In this review article, we examine and categorize the most recent advances in plasmofluidics into plasmon-enhanced functionalities in microfluidics and microfluidics-enhanced plasmonic devices. The former focuses on plasmonic manipulations of fluids, bubbles, particles, biological cells, and molecules at the micro-/nano-scale. The latter includes technological advances that apply microfluidic principles to enable reconfigurable plasmonic devices and performance-enhanced plasmonic sensors. We conclude with our perspectives on the upcoming challenges, opportunities, and the possible future directions of the emerging field of plasmofluidics. PMID:26140612

Fabrication of a microfluidic chip by UV bonding at room temperature for integration of temperature-sensitive layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlautmann, S.; Besselink, G. A. J.; Radhakrishna Prabhu, G.; Schasfoort, R. B. M.

2003-07-01

A method for the bonding of a microfluidic device at room temperature is presented. The wafer with the fluidic structures was bonded to a sensor wafer with gold pads by means of adhesive bonding, utilizing an UV-curable glue layer. To avoid filling the fluidic channels with the glue, a stamping process was developed which allows the selective application of a thin glue layer. In this way a microfluidic glass chip was fabricated that could be used for performing surface plasmon resonance measurements without signs of leakage. The advantage of this method is the possibility of integration of organic layers as well as other temperature-sensitive layers into a microfluidic glass device.

Chaotic mixing in three-dimensional microvascular networks fabricated by direct-write assembly.

PubMed

Therriault, Daniel; White, Scott R; Lewis, Jennifer A

2003-04-01

The creation of geometrically complex fluidic devices is a subject of broad fundamental and technological interest. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) microvascular networks through direct-write assembly of a fugitive organic ink. This approach yields a pervasive network of smooth cylindrical channels (approximately 10-300 microm) with defined connectivity. Square-spiral towers, isolated within this vascular network, promote fluid mixing through chaotic advection. These vertical towers give rise to dramatic improvements in mixing relative to simple straight (1D) and square-wave (2D) channels while significantly reducing the device planar footprint. We envisage that 3D microvascular networks will provide an enabling platform for a wide array of fluidic-based applications.

Multi-chamber nucleic acid amplification and detection device

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dugan, Lawrence

A nucleic acid amplification and detection device includes an amplification cartridge with a plurality of reaction chambers for containing an amplification reagent and a visual detection reagent, and a plurality of optically transparent view ports for viewing inside the reaction chambers. The cartridge also includes a sample receiving port which is adapted to receive a fluid sample and fluidically connected to distribute the fluid sample to the reaction chamber, and in one embodiment, a plunger is carried by the cartridge for occluding fluidic communication to the reaction chambers. The device also includes a heating apparatus having a heating element whichmore » is activated by controller to generate heat when a trigger event is detected. The heating apparatus includes a cartridge-mounting section which positioned a cartridge in thermal communication with the heating element so that visual changes to the contents of the reaction chambers are viewable through the view ports.« less

Development of flow systems by direct-milling on poly(methyl methacrylate) substrates using UV-photopolymerization as sealing process.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Eunice R G O; Lapa, Rui A S

2009-03-01

An alternative process for the design and construction of fluidic devices is presented. Several sealing processes were studied, as well as the hydrodynamic characteristics of the proposed fluidic devices. Manifolds were imprinted on polymeric substrates by direct-write milling, according to Computer Assisted Design (CAD) data. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was used as substrate due to its physical and chemical properties. Different bonding approaches for the imprinted channels were evaluated and UV-photopolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) was selected. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the proposed flow devices were assessed and compared to those obtained in similar flow systems using PTFE reactors and micro-pumps as propulsion units (multi-pumping approach). The applicability of the imprinted reactors was evaluated in the sequential determination of calcium and magnesium in water samples. Results obtained were in good agreement with those obtained by the reference procedure.

Optofluidic Approaches for Enhanced Microsensor Performances

PubMed Central

Testa, Genni; Persichetti, Gianluca; Bernini, Romeo

2015-01-01

Optofluidics is a relatively young research field able to create a tight synergy between optics and micro/nano-fluidics. The high level of integration between fluidic and optical elements achievable by means of optofluidic approaches makes it possible to realize an innovative class of sensors, which have been demonstrated to have an improved sensitivity, adaptability and compactness. Many developments in this field have been made in the last years thanks to the availability of a new class of low cost materials and new technologies. This review describes the Italian state of art on optofluidic devices for sensing applications and offers a perspective for further future advances. We introduce the optofluidic concept and describe the advantages of merging photonic and fluidic elements, focusing on sensor developments for both environmental and biomedical monitoring. PMID:25558989

FLUIDIC: Metal Air Recharged

ScienceCinema

Friesen, Cody

2018-02-14

Fluidic, with the help of ARPA-E funding, has developed and deployed the world's first proven high cycle life metal air battery. Metal air technology, often used in smaller scale devices like hearing aids, has the lowest cost per electron of any rechargeable battery storage in existence. Deploying these batteries for grid reliability is competitive with pumped hydro installations while having the advantages of a small footprint. Fluidic's battery technology allows utilities and other end users to store intermittent energy generated from solar and wind, as well as maintain reliable electrical delivery during power outages. The batteries are manufactured in the US and currently deployed to customers in emerging markets for cell tower reliability. As they continue to add customers, they've gained experience and real world data that will soon be leveraged for US grid reliability.

Electrochemical device

DOEpatents

Grimes, Patrick G.; Einstein, Harry; Bellows, Richard J.

1988-01-12

A tunnel protected electrochemical device features channels fluidically communicating between manifold, tunnels and cells. The channels are designed to provide the most efficient use of auxiliary power. The channels have a greater hydraulic pressure drop and electrical resistance than the manifold. This will provide a design with the optimum auxiliary energy requirements.

A PIV Study of Baseline and Controlled Flow over the Highly Deflected Flap of a Generic Low Aspect Ratio Trapezoidal Wing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tewes, Philipp; Genschow, Konstantin; Little, Jesse; Wygnanski, Israel

2017-11-01

A detailed flow survey using PIV was conducted over a highly-deflected flap (55°) of a low-aspect ratio trapezoidal wing. The wing section is a NACA 0012 with 45° sweep at both the leading and trailing edges, an aspect ratio of 1.5 and a taper ratio of 0.27. The main element is equipped with 7 equally spaced fluidic oscillators, covering the inner 60 % of the span, located near the flap hinge. Experiments were carried out at 0° and 8° incidence at a Reynolds number of 1.7 .106 for both baseline and active flow control (AFC) cases. Velocity ISO-surfaces, x-vorticity and streamlines are analyzed / discussed. A flap leading edge vortex governs the baseline flow field for 0°. This vortical structure interacts with the jets emitted by the actuators (Cμ = 1 %). Its development is hampered and the vortex is redirected toward the trailing edge resulting in a CL increase. At 8°, the dominant flap leading edge vortex could not be detected and is believed to have already merged with the tip vortex. AFC attached the flow over the flap and enhanced the lift by up to 20 % while maintaining longitudinal stability. The dominant flow features in the AFC cases are actuator-generated streamwise vortices which appear stronger at 8°. This work was supported by the Office of Naval Research under ONR Grant No. N00014-14-1-0387.

Use of electrospinning and dynamic air focusing to create three-dimensional cell culture scaffolds in microfluidic devices.

PubMed

Chen, Chengpeng; Mehl, Benjamin T; Sell, Scott A; Martin, R Scott

2016-09-21

Organs-on-a-chip has emerged as a powerful tool for pharmacological and physiological studies. A key part in the construction of such a model is the ability to pattern or culture cells in a biomimetic fashion. Most of the reported cells-on-a-chip models integrate cells on a flat surface, which does not accurately represent the extracellular matrix that they experience in vivo. Electrospinning, a technique used to generate sub-micron diameter polymer fibers, has been used as an in vitro cell culture substrate and for tissue engineering applications. Electrospinning of fibers directly into a fully sealed fluidic channel using a conventional setup has not been possible due to issues of confining the fibers into a discrete network. In this work, a dynamic focusing method was developed, with this approach enabling direct deposition of electrospun fibers into a fully sealed fluidic channel, to act as a matrix for cell culture and subsequent studies under continuous flowing conditions. Scanning electron microscopy of electrospun polycaprolactone fibers shows that this method enables the formation of fibrous layers on the inner wall of a 3D-printed fluidic device (mean fiber size = 1.6 ± 0.6 μm and average pore size = 113 ± 19 μm(2)). Cells were able to be cultured in this 3D scaffold without the addition of adhesion proteins. Media was pumped through the channel at high flow rates (up to 400 μL min(-1)) during a dynamic cell culture process and both the fibers and the cells were found to be strongly adherent. A PDMS fluidic device was also prepared (from a 3D printed mold) and coated with polycaprolactone fibers. The PDMS device enables optical detection and confocal imaging of cultured cells on the fibers. Finally, macrophages were cultured in the devices to study how the fibrous scaffold can affect cell behavior. It was found that under lipopolysaccharide stimulation, macrophages cultured on PCL fibers inside of a channel secreted significantly more cytokines than those cultured on a thin layer of PCL in a channel or directly on the inner channel wall. Overall, this study represents a new approach for in vitro cell studies, where electrospinning can be used to easily and quickly create 3D scaffolds that can improve the culture conditions in microfluidic devices.

Measurement of Microchannel Fluidic Resistance with a Standard Voltage Meter

PubMed Central

Godwin, Leah A.; Deal, Kennon S.; Hoepfner, Lauren D.; Jackson, Louis A.; Easley, Christopher J.

2012-01-01

A simplified method for measuring the fluidic resistance (Rfluidic) of microfluidic channels is presented, in which the electrical resistance (Relec) of a channel filled with a conductivity standard solution can be measured and directly correlated to Rfluidic using a simple equation. Although a slight correction factor could be applied in this system to improve accuracy, results showed that a standard voltage meter could be used without calibration to determine Rfluidic to within 12% error. Results accurate to within 2% were obtained when a geometric correction factor was applied using these particular channels. When compared to standard flow rate measurements, such as meniscus tracking in outlet tubing, this approach provided a more straightforward alternative and resulted in lower measurement error. The method was validated using 9 different fluidic resistance values (from ~40 – 600 kPa s mm−3) and over 30 separately fabricated microfluidic devices. Furthermore, since the method is analogous to resistance measurements with a voltage meter in electrical circuits, dynamic Rfluidic measurements were possible in more complex microfluidic designs. Microchannel Relec was shown to dynamically mimic pressure waveforms applied to a membrane in a variable microfluidic resistor. The variable resistor was then used to dynamically control aqueous-in-oil droplet sizes and spacing, providing a unique and convenient control system for droplet-generating devices. This conductivity-based method for fluidic resistance measurement is thus a useful tool for static or real-time characterization of microfluidic systems. PMID:23245901

Broadband and high-efficiency vortex beam generator based on a hybrid helix array.

PubMed

Fang, Chaoqun; Wu, Chao; Gong, Zhijie; Zhao, Song; Sun, Anqi; Wei, Zeyong; Li, Hongqiang

2018-04-01

The vortex beam which carries the orbital angular momentum has versatile applications, such as high-resolution imaging, optical communications, and particle manipulation. Generating vortex beams with the Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phase has drawn considerable attention for its unique spin-to-orbital conversion features. Despite the PB phase being frequency independent, an optical element with broadband high-efficiency circular polarization conversion feature is still needed for the broadband high-efficiency vortex beam generation. In this work, a broadband and high-efficiency vortex beam generator based on the PB phase is built with a hybrid helix array. Such devices can generate vortex beams with arbitrary topological charge. Moreover, vortex beams with opposite topological charge can be generated with an opposite handedness incident beam that propagates backward. The measured efficiency of our device is above 65% for a wide frequency range, with the relative bandwidth of 46.5%.

Solenoid Driven Pressure Valve System: Toward Versatile Fluidic Control in Paper Microfluidics.

PubMed

Kim, Taehoon H; Hahn, Young Ki; Lee, Jungmin; van Noort, Danny; Kim, Minseok S

2018-02-20

As paper-based diagnostics has become predominantly driven by more advanced microfluidic technology, many of the research efforts are still focused on developing reliable and versatile fluidic control devices, apart from improving sensitivity and reproducibility. In this work, we introduce a novel and robust paper fluidic control system enabling versatile fluidic control. The system comprises a linear push-pull solenoid and an Arduino Uno microcontroller. The precisely controlled pressure exerted on the paper stops the flow. We first determined the stroke distance of the solenoid to obtain a constant pressure while examining the fluidic time delay as a function of the pressure. Results showed that strips of grade 1 chromatography paper had superior reproducibility in fluid transport. Next, we characterized the reproducibility of the fluidic velocity which depends on the type and grade of paper used. As such, we were able to control the flow velocity on the paper and also achieve a complete stop of flow with a pressure over 2.0 MPa. Notably, after the actuation of the pressure driven valve (PDV), the previously pressed area regained its original flow properties. This means that, even on a previously pressed area, multiple valve operations can be successfully conducted. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of an active and repetitive valve operation in paper microfluidics. As a proof of concept, we have chosen to perform a multistep detection system in the form of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with mouse IgG as the target analyte.

Flow control using audio tones in resonant microfluidic networks: towards cell-phone controlled lab-on-a-chip devices.

PubMed

Phillips, Reid H; Jain, Rahil; Browning, Yoni; Shah, Rachana; Kauffman, Peter; Dinh, Doan; Lutz, Barry R

2016-08-16

Fluid control remains a challenge in development of portable lab-on-a-chip devices. Here, we show that microfluidic networks driven by single-frequency audio tones create resonant oscillating flow that is predicted by equivalent electrical circuit models. We fabricated microfluidic devices with fluidic resistors (R), inductors (L), and capacitors (C) to create RLC networks with band-pass resonance in the audible frequency range available on portable audio devices. Microfluidic devices were fabricated from laser-cut adhesive plastic, and a "buzzer" was glued to a diaphragm (capacitor) to integrate the actuator on the device. The AC flowrate magnitude was measured by imaging oscillation of bead tracers to allow direct comparison to the RLC circuit model across the frequency range. We present a systematic build-up from single-channel systems to multi-channel (3-channel) networks, and show that RLC circuit models predict complex frequency-dependent interactions within multi-channel networks. Finally, we show that adding flow rectifying valves to the network creates pumps that can be driven by amplified and non-amplified audio tones from common audio devices (iPod and iPhone). This work shows that RLC circuit models predict resonant flow responses in multi-channel fluidic networks as a step towards microfluidic devices controlled by audio tones.

A compact model for electroosmotic flows in microfluidic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiao, R.; Aluru, N. R.

2002-09-01

A compact model to compute flow rate and pressure in microfluidic devices is presented. The microfluidic flow can be driven by either an applied electric field or a combined electric field and pressure gradient. A step change in the ζ-potential on a channel wall is treated by a pressure source in the compact model. The pressure source is obtained from the pressure Poisson equation and conservation of mass principle. In the proposed compact model, the complex fluidic network is simplified by an electrical circuit. The compact model can predict the flow rate, pressure distribution and other basic characteristics in microfluidic channels quickly with good accuracy when compared to detailed numerical simulation. Using the compact model, fluidic mixing and dispersion control are studied in a complex microfluidic network.

A facile method for the preparation of monodisperse beads with uniform pore sizes for cell culture.

PubMed

Moon, Seung-Kwan; Oh, Myeong-Jin; Paik, Dong-Hyun; Ryu, Tae-Kyung; Park, Kyeongsoon; Kim, Sung-Eun; Park, Jong-Hoon; Kim, Jung-Hyun; Choi, Sung-Wook

2013-03-12

This paper describes a facile method for the preparation of porous gelatin beads with uniform pore sizes using a simple fluidic device and their application as supporting materials for cell culture. An aqueous gelatin droplet containing many uniform toluene droplets, produced in the fluidic device, is dropped into liquid nitrogen for instant freezing and the small toluene droplets evolve into pores in the gelatin beads after removal of toluene and then freeze-drying. The porous gelatin beads exhibit a uniform pore size and monodisperse diameter as well as large open pores at the surface. Fluorescence microscopy images of fibroblast-loaded gelatin beads confirm the attachment and proliferation of the cells throughout the porous gelatin beads. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Non-invasive paper-based microfluidic device for ultra-low detection of urea through enzyme catalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suresh, Vignesh; Qunya, Ong; Kanta, Bera Lakshmi; Yuh, Lee Yeong; Chong, Karen S. L.

2018-03-01

This work describes the design, fabrication and characterization of a paper-based microfluidic device for ultra-low detection of urea through enzyme catalysis. The microfluidic system comprises an entry port, a fluidic channel, a reaction zone and two electrodes (contacts). Wax printing was used to create fluidic channels on the surface of a chromatography paper. Pre-conceptualized designs of the fluidic channel are wax-printed on the paper substrate while the electrodes are screen-printed. The paper printed with wax is heated to cause the wax reflow along the thickness of the paper that selectively creates hydrophilic and hydrophobic zones inside the paper. Urease immobilized in the reaction zone catalyses urea into releasing ions and, thereby, generating a current flow between the electrodes. A measure of current with respect to time at a fixed potential enables the detection of urea. The methodology enabled urea concentration down to 1 pM to be detected. The significance of this work lies in the use of simple and inexpensive paper-based substrates to achieve detection of ultra-low concentrations of analytes such as urea. The process is non-invasive and employs a less cumbersome two-electrode assembly.

Experimental investigations of on-demand vortex generators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saddoughi, Seyed G.

1994-12-01

Conventional vortex generators as found on many civil aircrafts are mainly for off-design conditions - e.g. suppression of separation or loss of aileron power when the Mach number accidentally rises above the design (cruise) value. In normal conditions they perform no useful function and exert a significant drag penalty. Recently there have been advances in new designs for passive vortex generators and boundary layer control. While traditionally the generators heights were of the order of the boundary layer thickness (delta), recent advances have been made where generators of the order of delta/4 have been shown to be effective. The advancement of MIcro-Electro-Mechanical (MEM) devices has prompted several efforts in exploring the possibility of using such devices in turbulence control. These new devices offer the possibility of boundary layer manipulation through the production of vortices, momentum jets, or other features in the flow. However, the energy output of each device is low in general, but they can be used in large numbers. Therefore, the possibility of moving from passive vortex generators to active (on-demand) devices becomes of interest. Replacement of fixed rectangular or delta-wing generators by devices that could be activated when needed would produce substantial economies. Our proposed application is not strictly 'active' control: the vortex generators would simply be switched on, all together, when needed (e.g. when the aircraft Mach number exceeded a certain limit). To this extent our scheme is simpler; however, to promote mixing and suppress separation we desire to deposit longitudinal vortices into the outer layer of the boundary layer as in conventional vortex generators. This requires a larger device although an alternative might be an array of smaller devices, for example, a longitudinal row with phase differences in the modulation signals so that the periodic vortices join up. The vortex pair with common flow up has the advantage that it will naturally drift away from the surface, but the disadvantage is that the net vorticity is zero so that the pair is eventually obliterated by turbulent mixing, rather than simply being diffused as in the case of a single vortex. It should be possible to devise alternative shapes of cavity wall so that the jet emerges obliquely and produces net longitudinal vorticity.

Experimental investigations of on-demand vortex generators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saddoughi, Seyed G.

1994-01-01

Conventional vortex generators as found on many civil aircrafts are mainly for off-design conditions - e.g. suppression of separation or loss of aileron power when the Mach number accidentally rises above the design (cruise) value. In normal conditions they perform no useful function and exert a significant drag penalty. Recently there have been advances in new designs for passive vortex generators and boundary layer control. While traditionally the generators heights were of the order of the boundary layer thickness (delta), recent advances have been made where generators of the order of delta/4 have been shown to be effective. The advancement of MIcro-Electro-Mechanical (MEM) devices has prompted several efforts in exploring the possibility of using such devices in turbulence control. These new devices offer the possibility of boundary layer manipulation through the production of vortices, momentum jets, or other features in the flow. However, the energy output of each device is low in general, but they can be used in large numbers. Therefore, the possibility of moving from passive vortex generators to active (on-demand) devices becomes of interest. Replacement of fixed rectangular or delta-wing generators by devices that could be activated when needed would produce substantial economies. Our proposed application is not strictly 'active' control: the vortex generators would simply be switched on, all together, when needed (e.g. when the aircraft Mach number exceeded a certain limit). To this extent our scheme is simpler; however, to promote mixing and suppress separation we desire to deposit longitudinal vortices into the outer layer of the boundary layer as in conventional vortex generators. This requires a larger device although an alternative might be an array of smaller devices, for example, a longitudinal row with phase differences in the modulation signals so that the periodic vortices join up. The vortex pair with common flow up has the advantage that it will naturally drift away from the surface, but the disadvantage is that the net vorticity is zero so that the pair is eventually obliterated by turbulent mixing, rather than simply being diffused as in the case of a single vortex. It should be possible to devise alternative shapes of cavity wall so that the jet emerges obliquely and produces net longitudinal vorticity.

Nanowicks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noca, Flavio; Bronikowski, Michael; Sansom, Elijah; Zhou, Jijie; Gharib, Morteza

2007-01-01

Nanowicks are dense mats of nanoscale fibers that are expected to enable the development of a variety of novel capillary pumps, filters, and fluidic control devices. Nanowicks make it possible obtain a variety of novel effects, including capillary pressures orders of magnitude greater than those afforded by microscale and conventional macroscale wicks. While wicking serves the key purpose of transporting fluid, the nanofiber geometry of a nanowick makes it possible to exploit additional effects -- most notably, efficient nanoscale mixing, fluidic effects for logic or control, and ultrafiltration (in which mats of nanofibers act as biomolecular sieves).

Fluidic Chevrons for Jet Noise Reduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kinzie, Kevin; Henderson, Brenda; Whitmire, Julia

2004-01-01

Chevron mixing devices are used to reduce noise from commercial separate-flow turbofan engines. Mechanical chevron serrations at the nozzle trailing edge generate axial vorticity that enhances jet plume mixing and consequently reduces far-field noise. Fluidic chevrons generated with air injected near the nozzle trailing edge create a vorticity field similar to that of the mechanical chevrons and allow more flexibility in controlling acoustic and thrust performance than a passive mechanical design. In addition, the design of such a system has the future potential for actively controlling jet noise by pulsing or otherwise optimally distributing the injected air. Scale model jet noise experiments have been performed in the NASA Langley Low Speed Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel to investigate the fluidic chevron concept. Acoustic data from different fluidic chevron designs are shown. Varying degrees of noise reduction are achieved depending on the injection pattern and injection flow conditions. CFD results were used to select design concepts that displayed axial vorticity growth similar to that associated with mechanical chevrons and qualitatively describe the air injection flow and the impact on acoustic performance.

Dissolvable fluidic time delays for programming multi-step assays in instrument-free paper diagnostics.

PubMed

Lutz, Barry; Liang, Tinny; Fu, Elain; Ramachandran, Sujatha; Kauffman, Peter; Yager, Paul

2013-07-21

Lateral flow tests (LFTs) are an ingenious format for rapid and easy-to-use diagnostics, but they are fundamentally limited to assay chemistries that can be reduced to a single chemical step. In contrast, most laboratory diagnostic assays rely on multiple timed steps carried out by a human or a machine. Here, we use dissolvable sugar applied to paper to create programmable flow delays and present a paper network topology that uses these time delays to program automated multi-step fluidic protocols. Solutions of sucrose at different concentrations (10-70% of saturation) were added to paper strips and dried to create fluidic time delays spanning minutes to nearly an hour. A simple folding card format employing sugar delays was shown to automate a four-step fluidic process initiated by a single user activation step (folding the card); this device was used to perform a signal-amplified sandwich immunoassay for a diagnostic biomarker for malaria. The cards are capable of automating multi-step assay protocols normally used in laboratories, but in a rapid, low-cost, and easy-to-use format.

Dissolvable fluidic time delays for programming multi-step assays in instrument-free paper diagnostics

PubMed Central

Lutz, Barry; Liang, Tinny; Fu, Elain; Ramachandran, Sujatha; Kauffman, Peter; Yager, Paul

2013-01-01

Lateral flow tests (LFTs) are an ingenious format for rapid and easy-to-use diagnostics, but they are fundamentally limited to assay chemistries that can be reduced to a single chemical step. In contrast, most laboratory diagnostic assays rely on multiple timed steps carried out by a human or a machine. Here, we use dissolvable sugar applied to paper to create programmable flow delays and present a paper network topology that uses these time delays to program automated multi-step fluidic protocols. Solutions of sucrose at different concentrations (10-70% of saturation) were added to paper strips and dried to create fluidic time delays spanning minutes to nearly an hour. A simple folding card format employing sugar delays was shown to automate a four-step fluidic process initiated by a single user activation step (folding the card); this device was used to perform a signal-amplified sandwich immunoassay for a diagnostic biomarker for malaria. The cards are capable of automating multi-step assay protocols normally used in laboratories, but in a rapid, low-cost, and easy-to-use format. PMID:23685876

Water based fluidic radio frequency metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Xiaobing; Zhao, Shaolin; Hu, Mingjun; Xiao, Junfeng; Zhang, Naibo; Yang, Jun

2017-11-01

Electromagnetic metamaterials offer great flexibility for wave manipulation and enable exceptional functionality design, ranging from negative refraction, anomalous reflection, super-resolution imaging, transformation optics to cloaking, etc. However, demonstration of metamaterials with unprecedented functionalities is still challenging and costly due to the structural complexity or special material properties. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the versatile fluidic radio frequency metamaterials with negative refraction using a water-embedded and metal-coated 3D architecture. Effective medium analysis confirms that metallic frames create an evanescent environment while simultaneously water cylinders produce negative permeability under Mie resonance. The water-metal coupled 3D architectures and the accessory devices for measurement are fabricated by 3D printing with post electroless deposition. Our study also reveals the great potential of fluidic metamaterials and versatility of the 3D printing process in rapid prototyping of customized metamaterials.

CFD Analysis of a T-38 Wing Fence

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

or making major adjustments to the existing airframe. The answer lies in flow control. Flow control devices like vortex generators, winglets , and wing...proposed by the Air Force Test Pilot School. The driving force for considering a wing fence as opposed to vane vortex generators or winglets 3 was a row of...devices are vortex generators, fences, high lift flaps, and winglets . Active flow control injects the boundary layer with energy from small jets of

Aeroacoustic Duster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, Jeffrey S. (Inventor); Chen, Di (Inventor); Vachon, Nicholas Mario (Inventor); Hitt, Darren (Inventor); Wu, Junru (Inventor)

2014-01-01

The aero-acoustic duster invention disclosed herein provides for high particle removal rate from surfaces with low energy expenditure relative to competing vacuum-based devices. The device removes particulate matter from a surface using a two-step process: 1. Acoustic radiation is used to break the adhesive bonds between dust and the surface, forcing particles into a mode where they continuously bounce up and down on the surface; and, 2. A bounded vortex is generated over the surface, with suction in the vortex center and jets for blowing air along the periphery. The jets are tilted in the tangential direction to induce vortex motion within the suction region. The vortex is said to be bounded because streamlines originating in the downward jets are entrained back into the central vortex.

Label-free viscosity measurement of complex fluids using reversal flow switching manipulation in a microfluidic channel

PubMed Central

Jun Kang, Yang; Ryu, Jeongeun; Lee, Sang-Joon

2013-01-01

The accurate viscosity measurement of complex fluids is essential for characterizing fluidic behaviors in blood vessels and in microfluidic channels of lab-on-a-chip devices. A microfluidic platform that accurately identifies biophysical properties of blood can be used as a promising tool for the early detections of cardiovascular and microcirculation diseases. In this study, a flow-switching phenomenon depending on hydrodynamic balancing in a microfluidic channel was adopted to conduct viscosity measurement of complex fluids with label-free operation. A microfluidic device for demonstrating this proposed method was designed to have two inlets for supplying the test and reference fluids, two side channels in parallel, and a junction channel connected to the midpoint of the two side channels. According to this proposed method, viscosities of various fluids with different phases (aqueous, oil, and blood) in relation to that of reference fluid were accurately determined by measuring the switching flow-rate ratio between the test and reference fluids, when a reverse flow of the test or reference fluid occurs in the junction channel. An analytical viscosity formula was derived to measure the viscosity of a test fluid in relation to that of the corresponding reference fluid using a discrete circuit model for the microfluidic device. The experimental analysis for evaluating the effects of various parameters on the performance of the proposed method revealed that the fluidic resistance ratio (RJL/RL, fluidic resistance in the junction channel (RJL) to fluidic resistance in the side channel (RL)) strongly affects the measurement accuracy. The microfluidic device with smaller RJL/RL values is helpful to measure accurately the viscosity of the test fluid. The proposed method accurately measured the viscosities of various fluids, including single-phase (Glycerin and plasma) and oil-water phase (oil vs. deionized water) fluids, compared with conventional methods. The proposed method was also successfully applied to measure viscosities of blood with varying hematocrits, chemically fixed RBCS, and channel sizes. Based on these experimental results, the proposed method can be effectively used to measure the viscosities of various fluids easily, without any fluorescent labeling and tedious calibration procedures. PMID:24404040

Microfluidic devices for modeling cell-cell and particle-cell interactions in the microvasculature

PubMed Central

Prabhakarpandian, Balabhaskar; Shen, Ming-Che; Pant, Kapil; Kiani, Mohammad F.

2011-01-01

Cell-fluid and cell-cell interactions are critical components of many physiological and pathological conditions in the microvasculature. Similarly, particle-cell interactions play an important role in targeted delivery of therapeutics to tissue. Development of in vitro fluidic devices to mimic these microcirculatory processes has been a critical step forward in our understanding of the inflammatory process, development of nano-particulate drug carriers, and developing realistic in vitro models of the microvasculature and its surrounding tissue. However, widely used parallel plate flow based devices and assays have a number of important limitations for studying the physiological conditions in vivo. In addition, these devices are resource hungry and time consuming for performing various assays. Recently developed, more realistic, microfluidic based devices have been able to overcome many of these limitations. In this review, an overview of the fluidic devices and their use in studying the effects of shear forces on cell-cell and cell-particle interactions is presented. In addition, use of mathematical models and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) based models for interpreting the complex flow patterns in the microvasculature are highlighted. Finally, the potential of 3D microfluidic devices and imaging for better representing in vivo conditions under which cell-cell and cell-particle interactions take place are discussed. PMID:21763328

Bistable flapping of flexible flyers in oscillatory flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yangyang; Kanso, Eva

2016-11-01

Biological and bio-inspired flyers move by shape actuation. The direct control of shape variables for locomotory purposes is well studied. Less is known about indirect shape actuation via the fluid medium. Here, we consider a flexible Λ-flyer in oscillatory flow that is free to flap and rotate around its fixed apex. We study its motion in the context of the inviscid vortex sheet model. We first analyze symmetric flapping about the vertical axis of gravity. We find that there is a finite value of the flexibility that maximizes both the flapping amplitude and elastic energy storage. Our results show that rather than resonance, the flyer relies on fluidic effects to optimize these two quantities. We then perturb the flyer away from the vertical and analyze its stability. Four distinct types of rolling behavior are identified: mono-stable, bistable, bistable oscillatory rotations and chaotic dynamics. We categorize these types of behavior in terms of the flyer's and flow parameters. In particular, the transition from mono-stable to bistable behavior occurs at a constant value of the product of the flow amplitude and acceleration. This product can be interpreted as the ratio of fluidic drag to gravity, confirming the fluid role in this transition.

The multi-mode modulator: A versatile fluidic device for two-dimensional gas chromatography.

PubMed

Seeley, John V; Schimmel, Nicolaas E; Seeley, Stacy K

2018-02-09

A fluidic device called the multi-mode modulator (MMM) has been developed for use as a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC x GC) modulator. The MMM can be employed in a wide range of capacities including as a traditional heart-cutting device, a low duty cycle GC x GC modulator, and a full transfer GC x GC modulator. The MMM is capable of producing narrow component pulses (widths <50ms) while operating at flows compatible with high resolution chromatography. The sample path of modulated components is confined to the interior of a joining capillary. The joining capillary dimensions and the position of the columns within the joining capillary can be optimized for the selected modulation mode. Furthermore, the joining capillary can be replaced easily and inexpensively if it becomes fouled due to sample matrix components or column bleed. The principles of operation of the MMM are described and its efficacy is demonstrated as a heart-cutting device and as a GC x GC modulator. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of a perturbation generator for vortex stability studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riester, J. E.; Ash, Robert L.

1991-01-01

Theory predicts vortex instability when subjected to certain types of disturbances. It was desired to build a device which could introduce controlled velocity perturbations into a trailing line vortex in order to study the effects on stability. A perturbation generator was designed and manufactured which can be attached to the centerbody of an airfoil type vortex generator. Details of design tests and manufacturing of the perturbation generator are presented. The device produced controlled perturbation with frequencies in excess of 250 Hz. Preliminary testing and evaluation of the perturbation generator performance was conducted in a 4 inch cylindrical pipe. Observations of vortex shedding frequencies from a centerbody were measured. Further evaluation with the perturbation generator attached to the vortex generator in a 2 x 3 foot wind tunnel were also conducted. Hot-wire anemometry was used to confirm the perturbation generator's ability to introduce controlled frequency fluctuations. Comparison of the energy levels of the disturbances in the vortex core was made between locations 42 chord lengths and 15 chord lengths downstream.

Self-formed cylindrical microcapillaries through surface migration of silicon and their application to single-cell analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Fan; Luo, Yuan; Yobas, Levent; Wong, Man

2013-05-01

Surface migration of monocrystalline silicon has been applied to demonstrate self-formed cylindrical microcapillaries with diameters from 0.8 to 2.8 µm based on the microstructured substrate topography. The microcapillaries are entirely enclosed in silicon and can be conveniently etched to create fluidic access ports and microchannels for their subsequent integration into functional microfluidic devices. Moreover, the microcapillaries can be thermally oxidized through their access ports with silica walls remain intact upon release from surrounding silicon in an effort to enhance optical clarity. Straight microcapillaries and microcapillaries with perpendicular turns and crossings (junctions) have all been fabricated and validated for fluidic continuity with a fluorescein solution pumped through. The utility of the microcapillaries has been showcased on particle traps in which biological cells are probed for single-cell impedance spectroscopy. The approach disclosed, given its full compatibility with semiconductor device fabrication, offers great potential towards intelligent cell and molecule-based devices merging microelectronics and microfluidics.

Point of care with micro fluidic paper based device integrated with nano zeolite-graphene oxide nanoflakes for electrochemical sensing of ketamine.

PubMed

Narang, Jagriti; Malhotra, Nitesh; Singhal, Chaitali; Mathur, Ashish; Chakraborty, Dhritiman; Anil, Anusree; Ingle, Aviraj; Pundir, Chandra S

2017-02-15

The present study was aimed to develop an ultrasensitive technique for electroanalysis of ketamine; a date rape drug. It involved the fabrication of nano-hybrid based electrochemical micro fluidic paper-based analytical device (EμPADs) for electrochemical sensing of ketamine. A paper chip was developed using zeolites nanoflakes and graphene-oxide nanocrystals (Zeo-GO). EμPAD offers many advantages such as facile approach, economical and potential for commercialization. Nanocrystal modified EμPAD showed wide linear range 0.001-5nM/mL and a very low detection limit of 0.001nM/mL. The developed sensor was tested in real time samples like alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and found good correlation (99%). The hyphenation of EμPAD integrated with nanocrystalline Zeo-GO for detection of ketamine has immense prospective for field-testing platforms. An extensive development could be made for industrial translation of this fabricated device. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental Investigation of the Influence of a Reverse Delta Type Add-on Device on the Flap-tip Vortex of a Wing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altaf, A.; Thong, T. B.; Omar, A. A.; Asrar, W.

2017-03-01

Particle Image Velocimetry was used in a low speed wind tunnel to investigate the effect of interactions of vortices produced by an outboard flap-tip of a half wing (NACA 23012 in landing configuration) and a slender reverse delta type add-on device, placed in the proximity of the outboard flap-tip, on the upper surface of the half wing. This work investigates the characteristics of the vortex interactions generated downstream in planes perpendicular to the free stream direction at a chord-based Reynolds number of Rec=2.74×105 . It was found that the add-on device significantly reduces the tangential velocity magnitude and enlarges the vortex core of the resultant vortex by up to 36.1% and 36.8%, respectively.

Subsonic Aerodynamic Assessment of Vortex Flow Management Devices on a High-Speed Civil Transport Configuration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Bryan A.; Applin, Zachary T.; Kemmerly, Guy T.

1999-01-01

An experimental investigation of the effects of leading-edge vortex management devices on the subsonic performance of a high-speed civil transport (HSCT) configuration was conducted in the Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel. Data were obtained over a Mach number range of 0.14 to 0.27, with corresponding chord Reynolds numbers of 3.08 x 10 (sup 6) to 5.47 x 10 (sup 6). The test model was designed for a cruise Mach number of 2.7. During the subsonic high-lift phase of flight, vortical flow dominates the upper surface flow structure, and during vortex breakdown, this flow causes adverse pitch-up and a reduction of usable lift. The experimental results showed that the beneficial effects of small leading-edge vortex management devices located near the model reference center were insufficient to substantially affect the resulting aerodynamic forces and moments. However, devices located at or near the wiring apex region demonstrated potential for pitch control with little effect on overall lift.

Acoustic-assisted fluidic hourglasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guimaraes, Tamara; Marin, Alvaro; Kaehler, Christian J.; Barnkob, Rune

2017-11-01

Microfluidic devices are prone to get clogged when suspensions are forced through narrow passages. Such clogging events occur when particles form arches that block the channel. In this work we study the clogging probabilities in a microfluidic hourglass when subject to ultrasound. We measure the clogging probabilities for certain ranges of sound amplitudes and particle-to-neck size ratios in which clogging events are more likely to occur. The ultrasound induces acoustic radiation forces on the suspended particles, leading to particle migration perpendicular to the channel flow direction. The transverse particle rearrangement can significantly reduce the clogging probability by decreasing the chances of arching in the narrowing of the passage. We show that by choosing proper sound actuation conditions, the method is reliable, non-intrusive, preventive, and allows to increase the life of fluidic devices (microfluidic or larger) with particles in a wide range of sizes.

Axial acoustic radiation force on rigid oblate and prolate spheroids in Bessel vortex beams of progressive, standing and quasi-standing waves.

PubMed

Mitri, F G

2017-02-01

The analysis using the partial-wave series expansion (PWSE) method in spherical coordinates is extended to evaluate the acoustic radiation force experienced by rigid oblate and prolate spheroids centered on the axis of wave propagation of high-order Bessel vortex beams composed of progressive, standing and quasi-standing waves, respectively. A coupled system of linear equations is derived after applying the Neumann boundary condition for an immovable surface in a non-viscous fluid, and solved numerically by matrix inversion after performing a single numerical integration procedure. The system of linear equations depends on the partial-wave index n and the order of the Bessel vortex beam m using truncated but converging PWSEs in the least-squares sense. Numerical results for the radiation force function, which is the radiation force per unit energy density and unit cross-sectional surface, are computed with particular emphasis on the amplitude ratio describing the transition from the progressive to the pure standing waves cases, the aspect ratio (i.e., the ratio of the major axis over the minor axis of the spheroid), the half-cone angle and order of the Bessel vortex beam, as well as the dimensionless size parameter. A generalized expression for the radiation force function is derived for cases encompassing the progressive, standing and quasi-standing waves of Bessel vortex beams. This expression can be reduced to other types of beams/waves such as the zeroth-order Bessel non-vortex beam or the infinite plane wave case by appropriate selection of the beam parameters. The results for progressive waves reveal a tractor beam behavior, characterized by the emergence of an attractive pulling force acting in opposite direction of wave propagation. Moreover, the transition to the quasi-standing and pure standing wave cases shows the acoustical tweezers behavior in dual-beam Bessel vortex beams. Applications in acoustic levitation, particle manipulation and acousto-fluidics would benefit from the results of the present investigation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nature-inspired polymer actuators for micro-fluidic mixing.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

den Toonder, Jaap M. J.; Bos, Femke; de Goede, Judith; Anderson, Patrick

2007-11-01

One particular micro-fluidics manipulation mechanism ``designed'' by nature is that due to a covering of beating cilia over the external surface of micro-organisms (e.g. Paramecium). A cilium can be viewed as a small hair or flexible rod (in protozoa: typical length 10 microns and diameter 0.1 microns) which is attached to the surface. We have developed polymer micro-actuators, made with standard micro-technology processing, which respond to an applied electrical or magnetic field by changing their shape. The shape and size of the polymer actuators mimics that of cilia occurring in nature. Flow visualization experiments show that the cilia can generate substantial fluid velocities, in the order of 1 mm/s. In addition, using specially designed geometrical configurations of the cilia, very efficient mixing is obtained. Since the artificial cilia can be actively controlled using electrical signals, they have exciting applications in micro-fluidic devices.

Electrical Textile Valves for Paper Microfluidics.

PubMed

Ainla, Alar; Hamedi, Mahiar M; Güder, Firat; Whitesides, George M

2017-10-01

This paper describes electrically-activated fluidic valves that operate based on electrowetting through textiles. The valves are fabricated from electrically conductive, insulated, hydrophobic textiles, but the concept can be extended to other porous materials. When the valve is closed, the liquid cannot pass through the hydrophobic textile. Upon application of a potential (in the range of 100-1000 V) between the textile and the liquid, the valve opens and the liquid penetrates the textile. These valves actuate in less than 1 s, require low energy (≈27 µJ per actuation), and work with a variety of aqueous solutions, including those with low surface tension and those containing bioanalytes. They are bistable in function, and are, in a sense, the electrofluidic analog of thyristors. They can be integrated into paper microfluidic devices to make circuits that are capable of controlling liquid, including autonomous fluidic timers and fluidic logic. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Enhanced model-based design of a high-throughput three dimensional micromixer driven by alternating-current electrothermal flow.

PubMed

Wu, Yupan; Ren, Yukun; Jiang, Hongyuan

2017-01-01

We propose a 3D microfluidic mixer based on the alternating current electrothermal (ACET) flow. The ACET vortex is produced by 3D electrodes embedded in the sidewall of the microchannel and is used to stir the fluidic sample throughout the entire channel depth. An optimized geometrical structure of the proposed 3D micromixer device is obtained based on the enhanced theoretical model of ACET flow and natural convection. We quantitatively analyze the flow field driven by the ACET, and a pattern of electrothermal microvortex is visualized by the micro-particle imaging velocimetry. Then, the mixing experiment is conducted using dye solutions with varying solution conductivities. Mixing efficiency can exceed 90% for electrolytes with 0.2 S/m (1 S/m) when the flow rate is 0.364 μL/min (0.728 μL/min) and the imposed peak-to-peak voltage is 52.5 V (35 V). A critical analysis of our micromixer in comparison with different mixer designs using a comparative mixing index is also performed. The ACET micromixer embedded with sidewall 3D electrodes can achieve a highly effective mixing performance and can generate high throughput in the continuous-flow condition. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A fluidic device for the controlled formation and real-time monitoring of soft membranes self-assembled at liquid interfaces.

PubMed

Mendoza-Meinhardt, Arturo; Botto, Lorenzo; Mata, Alvaro

2018-02-13

Membrane materials formed at the interface between two liquids have found applications in a large variety of technologies, from sensors to drug-delivery and catalysis. However, studying the formation of these membranes in real-time presents considerable challenges, owing to the difficulty of prescribing the location and instant of formation of the membrane, the difficulty of observing time-dependent membrane shape and thickness, and the poor reproducibility of results obtained using conventional mixing procedures. Here we report a fluidic device that facilitates characterisation of the time-dependent thickness, morphology and mass transport properties of materials self-assembled at fluid-fluid interfaces. In the proposed device the membrane forms from the controlled coalescence of two liquid menisci in a linear open channel. The linear geometry and controlled mixing of the solutions facilitate real-time visualisation, manipulation and improve reproducibility. Because of its small dimensions, the device can be used in conjunction with standard microscopy methods and reduces the required volumes of potentially expensive reagents. As an example application to tissue engineering, we use the device to characterise interfacial membranes formed by supra-molecular self-assembly of peptide-amphiphiles with either an elastin-like-protein or hyaluronic acid. The device can be adapted to study self-assembling membranes for applications that extend beyond bioengineering.

Reconfigurable microfluidic pump enabled by opto-electrical-thermal transduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeuchi, Masaru; Hagiwara, Masaya; Haulot, Gauvain; Ho, Chih-Ming

2013-10-01

Flexible integration of a microfluidic system comprising pumps, valves, and microchannels was realized by an optoelectronic reconfigurable microchannels (OERM) technique. Projecting a low light fluidic device pattern—e.g., pumps, valves, and channels—onto an OERM platform generates Joule heating and melts the substrate in the bright area on the platform; thus, the fluidic system can be reconfigured by changing the projected light pattern. Hexadecane was used as the substrate of the microfluidic system. The volume change of hexadecane during the liquid-solid phase transition was utilized to generate pumping pressure. The system can pump nanoliters of water within several seconds.

Sample preparation and detection device for infectious agents

DOEpatents

Miles, Robin R.; Wang, Amy W.; Fuller, Christopher K.; Lemoff, Asuncion V.; Bettencourt, Kerry A.; Yu, June

2003-06-10

A sample preparation and analysis device which incorporates both immunoassays and PCR assays in one compact, field-portable microchip. The device provides new capabilities in fluid and particle control which allows the building of a fluidic chip with no moving parts, thus decreasing fabrication cost and increasing the robustness of the device. The device can operate in a true continuous (not batch) mode. The device incorporates magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pumps to move the fluid through the system, acoustic mixing and fractionation, dielectropheretic (DEP) sample concentration and purification, and on-chip optical detection capabilities.

Resealable, optically accessible, PDMS-free fluidic platform for ex vivo interrogation of pancreatic islets.

PubMed

Lenguito, Giovanni; Chaimov, Deborah; Weitz, Jonathan R; Rodriguez-Diaz, Rayner; Rawal, Siddarth A K; Tamayo-Garcia, Alejandro; Caicedo, Alejandro; Stabler, Cherie L; Buchwald, Peter; Agarwal, Ashutosh

2017-02-28

We report the design and fabrication of a robust fluidic platform built out of inert plastic materials and micromachined features that promote optimized convective fluid transport. The platform is tested for perfusion interrogation of rodent and human pancreatic islets, dynamic secretion of hormones, concomitant live-cell imaging, and optogenetic stimulation of genetically engineered islets. A coupled quantitative fluid dynamics computational model of glucose stimulated insulin secretion and fluid dynamics was first utilized to design device geometries that are optimal for complete perfusion of three-dimensional islets, effective collection of secreted insulin, and minimization of system volumes and associated delays. Fluidic devices were then fabricated through rapid prototyping techniques, such as micromilling and laser engraving, as two interlocking parts from materials that are non-absorbent and inert. Finally, the assembly was tested for performance using both rodent and human islets with multiple assays conducted in parallel, such as dynamic perfusion, staining and optogenetics on standard microscopes, as well as for integration with commercial perfusion machines. The optimized design of convective fluid flows, use of bio-inert and non-absorbent materials, reversible assembly, manual access for loading and unloading of islets, and straightforward integration with commercial imaging and fluid handling systems proved to be critical for perfusion assay, and particularly suited for time-resolved optogenetics studies.

Miniaturized unified imaging system using bio-inspired fluidic lens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Frank S.; Cho, Sung Hwan; Qiao, Wen; Kim, Nam-Hyong; Lo, Yu-Hwa

2008-08-01

Miniaturized imaging systems have become ubiquitous as they are found in an ever-increasing number of devices, such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants, and web cameras. Until now, the design and fabrication methodology of such systems have not been significantly different from conventional cameras. The only established method to achieve focusing is by varying the lens distance. On the other hand, the variable-shape crystalline lens found in animal eyes offers inspiration for a more natural way of achieving an optical system with high functionality. Learning from the working concepts of the optics in the animal kingdom, we developed bio-inspired fluidic lenses for a miniature universal imager with auto-focusing, macro, and super-macro capabilities. Because of the enormous dynamic range of fluidic lenses, the miniature camera can even function as a microscope. To compensate for the image quality difference between the central vision and peripheral vision and the shape difference between a solid-state image sensor and a curved retina, we adopted a hybrid design consisting of fluidic lenses for tunability and fixed lenses for aberration and color dispersion correction. A design of the world's smallest surgical camera with 3X optical zoom capabilities is also demonstrated using the approach of hybrid lenses.

Generation and characterization of a perfect vortex beam with a large topological charge through a digital micromirror device.

PubMed

Chen, Yue; Fang, Zhao-Xiang; Ren, Yu-Xuan; Gong, Lei; Lu, Rong-De

2015-09-20

Optical vortices are associated with a spatial phase singularity. Such a beam with a vortex is valuable in optical microscopy, hyper-entanglement, and optical levitation. In these applications, vortex beams with a perfect circle shape and a large topological charge are highly desirable. But the generation of perfect vortices with high topological charges is challenging. We present a novel method to create perfect vortex beams with large topological charges using a digital micromirror device (DMD) through binary amplitude modulation and a narrow Gaussian approximation. The DMD with binary holograms encoding both the spatial amplitude and the phase could generate fast switchable, reconfigurable optical vortex beams with significantly high quality and fidelity. With either the binary Lee hologram or the superpixel binary encoding technique, we were able to generate the corresponding hologram with high fidelity and create a perfect vortex with topological charge as large as 90. The physical properties of the perfect vortex beam produced were characterized through measurements of propagation dynamics and the focusing fields. The measurements show good consistency with the theoretical simulation. The perfect vortex beam produced satisfies high-demand utilization in optical manipulation and control, momentum transfer, quantum computing, and biophotonics.

Packaged integrated opto-fluidic solution for harmful fluid analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allenet, T.; Bucci, D.; Geoffray, F.; Canto, F.; Couston, L.; Jardinier, E.; Broquin, J.-E.

2016-02-01

Advances in nuclear fuel reprocessing have led to a surging need for novel chemical analysis tools. In this paper, we present a packaged lab-on-chip approach with co-integration of optical and micro-fluidic functions on a glass substrate as a solution. A chip was built and packaged to obtain light/fluid interaction in order for the entire device to make spectral measurements using the photo spectroscopy absorption principle. The interaction between the analyte solution and light takes place at the boundary between a waveguide and a fluid micro-channel thanks to the evanescent part of the waveguide's guided mode that propagates into the fluid. The waveguide was obtained via ion exchange on a glass wafer. The input and the output of the waveguides were pigtailed with standard single mode optical fibers. The micro-scale fluid channel was elaborated with a lithography procedure and hydrofluoric acid wet etching resulting in a 150+/-8 μm deep channel. The channel was designed with fluidic accesses, in order for the chip to be compatible with commercial fluidic interfaces/chip mounts. This allows for analyte fluid in external capillaries to be pumped into the device through micro-pipes, hence resulting in a fully packaged chip. In order to produce this co-integrated structure, two substrates were bonded. A study of direct glass wafer-to-wafer molecular bonding was carried-out to improve detector sturdiness and durability and put forward a bonding protocol with a bonding surface energy of γ>2.0 J.m-2. Detector viability was shown by obtaining optical mode measurements and detecting traces of 1.2 M neodymium (Nd) solute in 12+/-1 μL of 0.01 M and pH 2 nitric acid (HNO3) solvent by obtaining an absorption peak specific to neodymium at 795 nm.

Aeroacoustic Duster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, Jun-ru (Inventor); Hitt, Darren (Inventor); Vachon, Nicholas M. (Inventor); Chen, Di (Inventor); Marshall, Jeffrey S. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

The invention disclosed herein provides for high particle removal rate and/or heat transfer from surfaces. The device removes particulate matter from a surface using a bounded vortex generated over the surface, with suction in the vortex center and jets for blowing air along the periphery. The jets are tilted in the tangential direction to induce vortex motion within the suction region. The vortex is said to be bounded because streamlines originating in the downward jets are entrained back into the central vortex.

How effective is aeration with vortex flow regulators? Pilot scale experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wójtowicz, Patryk; Szlachta, Małgorzata

2017-11-01

Vortex flow regulators (VFR) are used in urban drainage systems as a replacement for traditional flow throttling devices. Vortex regulators are not only very efficient energy dissipators but also atomizers which are beneficial for sewer aeration. A deficit of dissolved oxygen can be a problem in both natural waters and sewerage. Hydrodynamic flow regulators can boost oxygen concentration preventing putrefaction and improving treatment of stormwater and wastewater. We were first to investigate the aeration efficiency of semi-commercial scale cylindrical vortex flow regulators to determine the potential of their application in environmental engineering and to propose modification to enhance the aeration capacity of basic designs. Different device geometries and arrangements of active outlets for both single and double discharge vortex regulators were tested in a recirculating system. In this study, we present a concise review of the current state of our extensive research on the aeration efficiency of vortex flow regulators and their application in sewerage systems.

Preliminary results of the on-demand vortex-generator experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saddoughi, Seyed G.

1995-01-01

This is a report on the continuation of our experimental investigations (Saddoughi 1994) of 'on-demand' vortex generators. Conventional vortex generators as found on aircraft wings are mainly for suppression of separation during the off-design conditions. In cruise they perform no useful function and exert a significant drag penalty. Therefore, replacement of fixed rectangular or delta-wing generators by devices that could be activated when needed would be of interest. Also in our previous report, we described one example of an 'on-demand' device, which was developed by Jacobson & Reynolds (1995) at Stanford University, suitable for manufacture by micro-electro-mechanical technology. This device consists of a surface cavity elongated in the stream direction and covered with a lid cantilevered at the upstream end. The lid, which is a metal sheet with a sheet of piezoelectric ceramic bonded to it, lies flush with the boundary. On application of a voltage the ceramic expands or contracts; however, adequate amplitude can be obtained only by running at the cantilever resonance frequency and applying amplitude modulation: for 2.5 mm x 20 mm cantilevered lids, they obtained maximum tip displacements of the order of 100 pm. Thus fluid is expelled from the cavity through the gap around the lid on the downstroke. They used an asymmetrical gap configuration and found that periodic emerging jets on the narrow side induced periodic longitudinal vorticity into the boundary layer. Their device was used to modify the inner layer of the boundary layer for skin-friction reduction. The same method could be implemented for the replacement of the conventional vortex generators; however, to promote mixing and suppress separation we needed to deposit longitudinal vortices into the outer layer of the boundary layer, which required a larger vortex generator than the device built by Jacobson & Reynolds. Our vortex generator was built with a mechanically-driven cantilevered lid with an adjustable frequency. The device was made about ten times the size of Jacobson & Reynolds', the shape or size of the cavity and lid (28 mm x 250 mm) could be easily changed. The cavity depth, the cantilever-tip displacement, and the maximum lid frequency were 20 mm, 10 mm, and 60 Hz respectively. Our vortex generator was mounted on a turntable so that its yaw angle could be changed. Finally, tests over a range of ratios of vortex generator size to boundary-layer thickness could be carried out simply by changing the streamwise location of the device.

Integration of a mechanical forebody vortex control system into the F-15

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boalbey, Richard E.; Citurs, Kevin D.; Ely, Wayne L.; Harbaugh, Stephen P.; Hollingsworth, William B.; Phillips, Ronald L.

1994-01-01

The goal of the F-15 Forebody Vortex Control (FVC) program is to develop a production FVC system for the F-15. The system may consist of either a mechanically actuated device such as the strakes developed for the HARV program, or a pneumatic device such as the port blowing system being tested on the X-29. Both types of systems are being evaluated under this program. Background information on the F-15 and a description and overview of forebody vortex controls (FVC) will be presented.

Flight Control Using Distributed Shape-Change Effector Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raney, David L.; Montgomery, Raymond C.; Green, Lawrence I.; Park, Michael A.

2000-01-01

Recent discoveries in material science and fluidics have been used to create a variety of novel effector devices that offer great potential to enable new approaches to aerospace vehicle flight control. Examples include small inflatable blisters, shape-memory alloy diaphragms, and piezoelectric patches that may be used to produce distortions or bumps on the surface of an airfoil to generate control moments. Small jets have also been used to produce a virtual shape-change through fluidic means by creating a recirculation bubble on the surface of an airfoil. An advanced aerospace vehicle might use distributed arrays of hundreds of such devices to generate moments for stabilization and maneuver control, either augmenting or replacing conventional ailerons, flaps or rudders. This research demonstrates the design and use of shape-change device arrays for a tailless aircraft in a low-rate maneuvering application. A methodology for assessing the control authority of the device arrays is described, and a suite of arrays is used in a dynamic simulation to illustrate allocation and deployment methodologies. Although the authority of the preliminary shape-change array designs studied in this paper appeared quite low, the simulation results indicate that the effector suite possessed sufficient authority to stabilize and maneuver the vehicle in mild turbulence.

Reactive Flow Control of Delta Wing Vortex (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-01

wing aircraft. A substantial amount of research has been dedicated to the control of aerodynamic flows using both passive and active control mechanisms...Passive vortex control devices such as vortex generators and winglets attach to the wing and require no energy input. Passive vortex control...leading edges is also effective for changing the aerodynamic characteristics of delta wings [2] [3]. Gutmark and Guillot [5] proposed controlling

Generation of cylindrically polarized vector vortex beams with digital micromirror device

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gong, Lei; Liu, Weiwei; Wang, Meng

We propose a novel technique to directly transform a linearly polarized Gaussian beam into vector-vortex beams with various spatial patterns. Full high-quality control of amplitude and phase is implemented via a Digital Micro-mirror Device (DMD) binary holography for generating Laguerre-Gaussian, Bessel-Gaussian, and helical Mathieu–Gaussian modes, while a radial polarization converter (S-waveplate) is employed to effectively convert the optical vortices into cylindrically polarized vortex beams. Additionally, the generated vector-vortex beams maintain their polarization symmetry after arbitrary polarization manipulation. Due to the high frame rates of DMD, rapid switching among a series of vector modes carrying different orbital angular momenta paves themore » way for optical microscopy, trapping, and communication.« less

Vortex-flow aerodynamics - An emerging design capability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, J. F.

1981-01-01

Promising current theoretical and simulational developments in the field of leading edge vortex-generating delta, arrow ogival wings are reported, along with the history of theory and experiment leading to them. The effects of wing slenderness, leading edge nose radius, Mach number and incidence variations, and planform on the onset of vortex generation and redistribution of aerodynamic loads are considered. The range of design possibilities in this field are consequential for the future development of strategic aircraft, supersonic transports and commercial cargo aircraft which will possess low-speed, high-lift capability by virtue of leading edge vortex generation and control without recourse to heavy and expensive leading edge high-lift devices and compound airfoils. Attention is given to interactive graphics simulation devices recently developed.

Experimental microbubble generation by sudden pressure drop and fluidics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franco Gutierrez, Fernando; Figueroa Espinoza, Bernardo; Aguilar Corona, Alicia; Vargas Correa, Jesus; Solorio Diaz, Gildardo

2014-11-01

Mass and heat transfer, as well as chemical species in bubbly flow are of importance in environmental and industrial applications. Microbubbles are well suited to these applications due to the large interface contact area and residence time. The objective of this investigation is to build devices to produce microbubbles using two methods: pressure differences and fluidics. Some characteristics, advantages and drawbacks of both methods are briefly discussed, as well as the characterization of the bubbly suspensions in terms of parameters such as the pressure jump and bubble equivalent diameter distribution. The authors acknowledge the support of Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología.

Design of a microfluidic cell using microstereolithography for electronic tongue applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacesko, Stefany L.; Ji, Taeksoo; Abraham, Jose K.; Varadan, Vijay K.; Gardner, Julian W.

2003-07-01

In this paper we present design, fabrication and integration of a micro fluidic cell for use with the electronic tongue. The cell was machined using microstereo lithography on a Hexanediol Diacrylate (HDDA) liquid monomer. The wet cell was designed to confine the liquid under test to the sensing area and insure complete isolation of the interdigital transducers (IDTs). The electronic tongue is a shear horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) device. Shear horizontally polarized Love-waves are guided between transmitting and receiving IDTs, over a piezoelectric substrate, which creates an electronic oscillator effect. This device has a dual delay line configuration, which accounts for the measuring of both mechanical and electrical properties of a liquid, simultaneously, with the ability to eliminate environmental factors. The data collected is distinguished using principal components analysis in conjunction with pre-processing parameters. The experiments show that the micro fluidic cell for this electronic tongue does not affect the losses or phase of the device to any extent of concern. Experiments also show that liquids such as Strawberry Hi-C, Teriyaki Sauce, DI Water, Coca Cola, and Pepsi are distinguishable using these methods.

Applications of asymmetric nanotextured parylene surface using its wetting and transport properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sekeroglu, Koray

In this thesis, basic digital fluidics devices were introduced using polymeric nanorods (nano-PPX) inspired from nature. Natural inspiration ignited this research by observing butterfly wings, water strider legs, rye grass leaves, and their asymmetric functions. Nano-PPX rods, manufactured by an oblique angle polymerization (OAP) method, are asymmetrically aligned structures that have unidirectional wetting properties. Nano-PPX demonstrates similar functions to the directional textured surfaces of animals and plants in terms of wetting, adhesion, and transport. The water pin-release mechanism on the asymmetric nano-PPX surface with adhesion function provides a great transport property. How the asymmetry causes transport is discussed in terms of hysteresis and interface contact of water droplets. In this study, the transport property of nano-PPX rods is used to guide droplets as well as transporting cargo such as microgels. With the addition of tracks on the nano-PPX rods, the surfaces were transformed into basic digital fluidics devices. The track-assisted nano-PPX has been employed to applications (i.e. sorting, mixing, and carrying cargo particles). Thus, digital fluidics devices fabricated on nano-PPX surface is a promising pathway to assemble microgels in the field of bioengineering. The characterization of the nano textured surface was completed using methods such as Scanning Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, Contact Angle Goniometry, and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy. These methods helped to understand the physical and chemical properties of nano-PPX. Parameters such as advancing and receding contact angles, nanorod tilt angle, and critical drop volumes were utilized to investigate the anisotropic wetting properties of nano-PPX surface. This investigation explained the directional wetting behavior of the surface as well as approaching new design parameters for adjusting surface properties. The nanorod tilt angle was a key parameter, thus changing the angle provided the surface with essential wetting properties. This adjustment on the nano-PPX surface exhibited excellent control on water droplet transport as well as guided the droplets from desired points to targets. The results demonstrated that it is possible to create railroad-like paths to manipulate the droplet movements by deforming the nano-PPX surface. Controlling physical properties of the surface granted the inspiration for fabricating basic fluidic devices to sort and mix droplets. These devices are promising for assembly purposes in terms of using microgels in engineering applications (i.e. building blocks for bioengineering). The surface has potential for further development to achieve the directed assembly of microgels into close proximity.

Superhydrophobic Surface Coatings for Microfluidics and MEMs.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Branson, Eric D.; Singh, Seema; Houston, Jack E.

2006-11-01

Low solid interfacial energy and fractally rough surface topography confer to Lotus plants superhydrophobic (SH) properties like high contact angles, rolling and bouncing of liquid droplets, and self-cleaning of particle contaminants. This project exploits the porous fractal structure of a novel, synthetic SH surface for aerosol collection, its self-cleaning properties for particle concentration, and its slippery nature 3 to enhance the performance of fluidic and MEMS devices. We propose to understand fundamentally the conditions needed to cause liquid droplets to roll rather than flow/slide on a surface and how this %22rolling transition%22 influences the boundary condition describing fluid flow inmore » a pipe or micro-channel. Rolling of droplets is important for aerosol collection strategies because it allows trapped particles to be concentrated and transported in liquid droplets with no need for a pre-defined/micromachined fluidic architecture. The fluid/solid boundary condition is important because it governs flow resistance and rheology and establishes the fluid velocity profile. Although many research groups are exploring SH surfaces, our team is the first to unambiguously determine their effects on fluid flow and rheology. SH surfaces could impact all future SNL designs of collectors, fluidic devices, MEMS, and NEMS. Interfaced with inertial focusing aerosol collectors, SH surfaces would allow size-specific particle populations to be collected, concentrated, and transported to a fluidic interface without loss. In microfluidic systems, we expect to reduce the energy/power required to pump fluids and actuate MEMS. Plug-like (rather than parabolic) velocity profiles can greatly improve resolution of chip-based separations and enable unprecedented control of concentration profiles and residence times in fluidic-based micro-reactors. Patterned SH/hydrophilic channels could induce mixing in microchannels and enable development of microflow control elements. Acknowledgements This work was funded by Sandia National Laboratory's Laboratory Directed Research & Development program (LDRD). Some coating processes were conducted in the cleanroom facility located at the University of New Mexico's Center for High Technology Materials (CHTM). SEM images were performed at UNM's Center for Micro-Engineering on equipment funded by a NSF New Mexico EPSCoR grant. 4« less

Configurable 3D-Printed millifluidic and microfluidic 'lab on a chip' reactionware devices.

PubMed

Kitson, Philip J; Rosnes, Mali H; Sans, Victor; Dragone, Vincenza; Cronin, Leroy

2012-09-21

We utilise 3D design and 3D printing techniques to fabricate a number of miniaturised fluidic 'reactionware' devices for chemical syntheses in just a few hours, using inexpensive materials producing reliable and robust reactors. Both two and three inlet reactors could be assembled, as well as one-inlet devices with reactant 'silos' allowing the introduction of reactants during the fabrication process of the device. To demonstrate the utility and versatility of these devices organic (reductive amination and alkylation reactions), inorganic (large polyoxometalate synthesis) and materials (gold nanoparticle synthesis) processes were efficiently carried out in the printed devices.

Mixing device for materials with large density differences

DOEpatents

Gregg, David W.

1994-01-01

An auger-tube pump mixing device for mixing materials with large density differences while maintaining low stirring RPM and low power consumption. The mixing device minimizes the formation of vortexes and minimizes the incorporation of small bubbles in the liquid during mixing. By avoiding the creation of a vortex the device provides efficient stirring of full containers without spillage over the edge. Also, the device solves the problem of effective mixing in vessels where the liquid height is large compared to the diameter. Because of the gentle stirring or mixing by the device, it has application for biomedical uses where cell damage is to be avoided.

Mixing device for materials with large density differences

DOEpatents

Gregg, D.W.

1994-08-16

An auger-tube pump mixing device is disclosed for mixing materials with large density differences while maintaining low stirring RPM and low power consumption. The mixing device minimizes the formation of vortexes and minimizes the incorporation of small bubbles in the liquid during mixing. By avoiding the creation of a vortex the device provides efficient stirring of full containers without spillage over the edge. Also, the device solves the problem of effective mixing in vessels where the liquid height is large compared to the diameter. Because of the gentle stirring or mixing by the device, it has application for biomedical uses where cell damage is to be avoided. 2 figs.

Methodology for designing and manufacturing complex biologically inspired soft robotic fluidic actuators: prosthetic hand case study.

PubMed

Thompson-Bean, E; Das, R; McDaid, A

2016-10-31

We present a novel methodology for the design and manufacture of complex biologically inspired soft robotic fluidic actuators. The methodology is applied to the design and manufacture of a prosthetic for the hand. Real human hands are scanned to produce a 3D model of a finger, and pneumatic networks are implemented within it to produce a biomimetic bending motion. The finger is then partitioned into material sections, and a genetic algorithm based optimization, using finite element analysis, is employed to discover the optimal material for each section. This is based on two biomimetic performance criteria. Two sets of optimizations using two material sets are performed. Promising optimized material arrangements are fabricated using two techniques to validate the optimization routine, and the fabricated and simulated results are compared. We find that the optimization is successful in producing biomimetic soft robotic fingers and that fabrication of the fingers is possible. Limitations and paths for development are discussed. This methodology can be applied for other fluidic soft robotic devices.

Induced-charge electroosmotic trapping of particles.

PubMed

Ren, Yukun; Liu, Weiyu; Jia, Yankai; Tao, Ye; Shao, Jinyou; Ding, Yucheng; Jiang, Hongyuan

2015-05-21

Position-controllable trapping of particles on the surface of a bipolar metal strip by induced-charge electroosmotic (ICEO) flow is presented herein. We demonstrate a nonlinear ICEO slip profile on the electrode surface accounting for stable particle trapping behaviors above the double-layer relaxation frequency, while no trapping occurs in the DC limit as a result of a strong upward fluidic drag induced by a linear ICEO slip profile. By extending an AC-flow field effect transistor from the DC limit to the AC field, we reveal that fixed-potential ICEO exceeding RC charging frequency can adjust the particle trapping position flexibly by generating controllable symmetry breaking in a vortex flow pattern. Our results open up new opportunities to manipulate microscopic objects in modern microfluidic systems by using ICEO.

Three-dimensional micro-electrode array for recording dissociated neuronal cultures.

PubMed

Musick, Katherine; Khatami, David; Wheeler, Bruce C

2009-07-21

This work demonstrates the design, fabrication, packaging, characterization, and functionality of an electrically and fluidically active three-dimensional micro-electrode array (3D MEA) for use with neuronal cell cultures. The successful function of the device implies that this basic concept-construction of a 3D array with a layered approach-can be utilized as the basis for a new family of neural electrode arrays. The 3D MEA prototype consists of a stack of individually patterned thin films that form a cell chamber conducive to maintaining and recording the electrical activity of a long-term three-dimensional network of rat cortical neurons. Silicon electrode layers contain a polymer grid for neural branching, growth, and network formation. Along the walls of these electrode layers lie exposed gold electrodes which permit recording and stimulation of the neuronal electrical activity. Silicone elastomer micro-fluidic layers provide a means for loading dissociated neurons into the structure and serve as the artificial vasculature for nutrient supply and aeration. The fluidic layers also serve as insulation for the micro-electrodes. Cells have been shown to survive in the 3D MEA for up to 28 days, with spontaneous and evoked electrical recordings performed in that time. The micro-fluidic capability was demonstrated by flowing in the drug tetrotodoxin to influence the activity of the culture.

Broadening of the I2P1/2 P3/2 Transition Lineshape by Unsteady Vortex Motion (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-24

vortex core identification functions of Sujudi and Haimes14 implemented in the Tecplot visualization software from Amtec Engineering. The red vortex core...sensors for COIL devices,” Proceedings of SPIE Conference on Gas, Chemical, and Electrical Lasers and Intense Beam Control and Applications, 3931, pp

Control of vortex state in cobalt nanorings with domain wall pinning centers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lal, Manohar; Sakshath, S.; Mohanan Parakkat, Vineeth; Anil Kumar, P. S.

2018-05-01

Magnetic rings at the mesoscopic scale exhibit new spin configuration states and switching behavior, which can be controlled via geometrical structure, material composition and applied field. Vortex states in magnetic nanorings ensure flux closure, which is necessary for low stray fields in high packing density in memory devices. We performed magnetoresistance measurements on cobalt nanoring devices and show that by attaching nanowires to the ring, the vortex state can be stabilized. When a square pad is attached to the free end of the wire, the domain wall nucleation field in the nanowire is reduced. In addition, the vortex state persists over a larger range of magnetic fields, and exists at all in-plane orientations of the magnetic field. These experimental findings are well supported by our micromagnetic simulations.

Effect of Sub-Boundary Layer Vortex Generations on Incident Turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Casper, J.; Lin, J. C.; Yao, C. S.

2003-01-01

Sub-boundary layer vortex generators were tested in a wind tunnel to assess their effect on the velocity field within the wake region of a turbulent boundary layer. Both mean flow quantities and turbulence statistics were measured. Although very small relative to the boundary layer thickness, these so-called micro vortex generators were found to have a measurable effect on the power spectra and integral length scales of the turbulence at a distance many times the height of the devices themselves. In addition, the potential acoustic impact of these devices is also discussed. Measured turbulence spectra are used as input to an acoustic formulation in a manner that compares predicted sound pressure levels that result from the incident boundary-layer turbulence, with and without the vortex generators in the flow.

Topology optimisation of micro fluidic mixers considering fluid-structure interactions with a coupled Lattice Boltzmann algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munk, David J.; Kipouros, Timoleon; Vio, Gareth A.; Steven, Grant P.; Parks, Geoffrey T.

2017-11-01

Recently, the study of micro fluidic devices has gained much interest in various fields from biology to engineering. In the constant development cycle, the need to optimise the topology of the interior of these devices, where there are two or more optimality criteria, is always present. In this work, twin physical situations, whereby optimal fluid mixing in the form of vorticity maximisation is accompanied by the requirement that the casing in which the mixing takes place has the best structural performance in terms of the greatest specific stiffness, are considered. In the steady state of mixing this also means that the stresses in the casing are as uniform as possible, thus giving a desired operating life with minimum weight. The ultimate aim of this research is to couple two key disciplines, fluids and structures, into a topology optimisation framework, which shows fast convergence for multidisciplinary optimisation problems. This is achieved by developing a bi-directional evolutionary structural optimisation algorithm that is directly coupled to the Lattice Boltzmann method, used for simulating the flow in the micro fluidic device, for the objectives of minimum compliance and maximum vorticity. The needs for the exploration of larger design spaces and to produce innovative designs make meta-heuristic algorithms, such as genetic algorithms, particle swarms and Tabu Searches, less efficient for this task. The multidisciplinary topology optimisation framework presented in this article is shown to increase the stiffness of the structure from the datum case and produce physically acceptable designs. Furthermore, the topology optimisation method outperforms a Tabu Search algorithm in designing the baffle to maximise the mixing of the two fluids.

Vortex diode jet

DOEpatents

Houck, Edward D.

1994-01-01

A fluid transfer system that combines a vortex diode with a jet ejector to transfer liquid from one tank to a second tank by a gas pressurization method having no moving mechanical parts in the fluid system. The vortex diode is a device that has a high resistance to flow in one direction and a low resistance to flow in the other.

Microfluidic mixing through oscillatory transverse perturbations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, J. W.; Xia, H. M.; Zhang, Y. Y.; Zhu, P.

2018-05-01

Fluid mixing in miniaturized fluidic devices is a challenging task. In this work, the mixing enhancement through oscillatory transverse perturbations coupling with divergent circular chambers is studied. To simplify the design, an autonomous microfluidic oscillator is used to produce the oscillatory flow. It is then applied to four side-channels that intersect with a central channel of constant flow. The mixing performance is tested at high fluid viscosities of up to 16 cP. Results show that the oscillatory flow can cause strong transverse perturbations which effectively enhance the mixing. The influence of a fluidic capacitor in the central channel is also examined, which at low viscosities can intensify the perturbations and further improve the mixing.

Micro-Fluidic Chemical Reactor Systems: Development, Scale-Up and Demonstration

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-11-01

B) A ) Figure 1: Gas Phase Microreactor . ( A ) Photograph of device. (B) Top view schematic. (C) Side view across channel. ( D ) Side view along... Microreactor system showing controller, heater power, fluid mixing, and microreactor cards (as in Figure 14) in a PCI chassis... microreactor design used for gas-phase heterogeneous reactions is a microchannel device that can be integrated with a heat exchange layer for highly

Microfabricated Renewable Beads-Trapping/Releasing Flow Cell for Rapid Antigen-Antibody Reaction in Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fu, Zhifeng; Shao, Guocheng; Wang, Jun

2011-04-01

A filter pillar-array microstructure was coupled with a pneumatic micro-valve to fabricate a reusable miniaturized beads-trapping/releasing flow cell, in which trapping and releasing beads can be conveniently realized by switching the micro-valve. This miniaturized device was suitable to construct automatic fluidic system for “renewable surface analysis”. The renewable surface strategy based on pneumatic micro-valve enabled capture of beads in beads chamber prior to each assay, and release of the used beads after the assay. Chemiluminescent competitive immunoassay of 3,5,6-trichloropyridinol (TCP) was performed as a model to demonstrate the application potential of this reusable miniaturized flow cell. The whole fluidic assaymore » process including beads trapping, immuno-binding, beads washing, beads releasing and signal collection could be completed in 10 min. Immunoassay of TCP using this miniaturized device showed a linear range of 0.20-70 ng/mL with a limit of detection of 0.080 ng/mL. The device had been successfully used for detection of TCP spiked in rat serum with average recovery of 97%. This investigation provides a rapid, sensitive, reusable, low-cost and automatic miniaturized device for solid-phase biochemical analysis for various purposes.« less

Towards Explaining the Water Siphon

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jumper, William D.; Stanchev, Boris

2014-01-01

Many high school and introductory college physics courses cover topics in fluidics through the Bernoulli and Poiseuille equations, and consequently one might think that siphons should present an excellent opportunity to engage students in various laboratory measurement exercises incorporating these fascinating devices. However, the flow rates (or…

Fluidic Vectoring of a Planar Incompressible Jet Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendez, Miguel Alfonso; Scelzo, Maria Teresa; Enache, Adriana; Buchlin, Jean-Marie

2018-06-01

This paper presents an experimental, a numerical and a theoretical analysis of the performances of a fluidic vectoring device for controlling the direction of a turbulent, bi-dimensional and low Mach number (incompressible) jet flow. The investigated design is the co-flow secondary injection with Coanda surface, which allows for vectoring angles up to 25° with no need of moving mechanical parts. A simple empirical model of the vectoring process is presented and validated via experimental and numerical data. The experiments consist of flow visualization and image processing for the automatic detection of the jet centerline; the numerical simulations are carried out solving the Unsteady Reynolds Average Navier- Stokes (URANS) closed with the k - ω SST turbulence model, using the PisoFoam solver from OpenFOAM. The experimental validation on three different geometrical configurations has shown that the model is capable of providing a fast and reliable evaluation of the device performance as a function of the operating conditions.

Review of Research on Low-Profile Vortex Generators to Control Boundary-Layer Separation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, John C.

2002-01-01

An in-depth review of boundary-layer flow-separation control by a passive method using low-profile vortex generators is presented. The generators are defined as those with a device height between 10% and 50% of the boundary layer thickness. Key results are presented for several research efforts, all of which were performed within the past decade and a half where the majority of these works emphasize experimentation with some recent efforts on numerical simulations. Topics of discussion consist of both basic fluid dynamics and applied aerodynamics research. The fluid dynamics research includes comparative studies on separation control effectiveness as well as device-induced vortex characterization and correlation. The comparative studies cover the controlling of low-speed separated flows in adverse pressure gradient and supersonic shock-induced separation. The aerodynamics research includes several applications for aircraft performance enhancement and covers a wide range of speeds. Significant performance improvements are achieved through increased lift and/or reduced drag for various airfoils-low-Reynolds number, high-lift, and transonic-as well as highly swept wings. Performance enhancements for non-airfoil applications include aircraft interior noise reduction, inlet flow distortion alleviation inside compact ducts, and a more efficient overwing fairing. The low-profile vortex generators are best for being applied to applications where flow-separation locations are relatively fixed and the generators can be placed reasonably close upstream of the separation. Using the approach of minimal near-wall proturbances through substantially reduced device height, these devices can produce streamwise vortices just strong enough to overcome the separation without unnecessarily persisting within the boundary layer once the flow-control objective is achieved. Practical advantages of low-profile vortex generators, such as their inherent simplicity and low device drag, are demonstrated to be critically important for many applications as well.

Investigation on micromachining technologies for the realization of LTCC devices and systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haas, T.; Zeilmann, C.; Bittner, A.; Schmid, U.

2011-06-01

Low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) has established as a widespread platform for advanced functional ceramic devices in different applications, such as in the space and aviation sector, for micro machined sensors as well as in micro fluidics. This is due to high reliability, excellent physical properties, especially in the high frequency range, and the possibility to integrate passive components in the monolithic LTCC body, offering the potential for a high degree of miniaturisation. However, for further improvement of this technology and for an ongoing increase of the integration level, the realization of miniaturized structures is of utmost importance. Therefore, novel techniques for micro-machining are required providing channel structures and cavities inside the glass-ceramic body, enabling for further application scenarios. Those techniques are punching, laser cutting and embossing. One of the most limitations of LTCC is the poor thermal conductivity. Hence, the possibility to integrate channels enables innovative active cooling approaches using fluidic media for heat critical devices. Doing so, a by far better cooling effect can be achieved than by passive devices as heat spreaders or heat sinks. Furthermore, the realization of mechanic devices as integrated pressure sensors for operation under harsh environmental conditions can be realized by integrating the membrane directly into the ceramic body. Finally, for high power devices substantial improvement can be provided by filling those channel structures with electrical conductive material, so that the resistivity can be decreased drastically without affecting the topography of the ceramics.

Model of Pressure Distribution in Vortex Flow Controls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mielczarek, Szymon; Sawicki, Jerzy M.

2015-06-01

Vortex valves belong to the category of hydrodynamic flow controls. They are important and theoretically interesting devices, so complex from hydraulic point of view, that probably for this reason none rational concept of their operation has been proposed so far. In consequence, functioning of vortex valves is described by CFD-methods (computer-aided simulation of technical objects) or by means of simple empirical relations (using discharge coefficient or hydraulic loss coefficient). Such rational model of the considered device is proposed in the paper. It has a simple algebraic form, but is well grounded physically. The basic quantitative relationship, which describes the valve operation, i.e. dependence between the flow discharge and the circumferential pressure head, caused by the rotation, has been verified empirically. Conformity between calculated and measured parameters of the device allows for acceptation of the proposed concept.

An Investigation of the Effects of Discrete Wing Tip Jets on Wake Vortex Roll Up.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-08-01

failure of these devices does not mean that the vortex structure cannot be altered such as to reduce rolling moment. On the contrary, Yuan and Bloom (43...which has demonstrated a capabilitv, to e:ra induced rolling moment - the downward blowing jet of .𔄁, ,and Bloom (43)- was also the only jet...eliminated the large vortex excursions associated with close approaches. Bloom and Jen (83) used the method of Kuwahara and Takami to calculate vortex roll up

A Computational-Experimental Development of Vortex Generator Use for a Transitioning S-Diffuser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wendt, Bruce J.; Dudek, Julianne C.

1996-01-01

The development of an effective design strategy for surface-mounted vortex generator arrays in a subsonic diffuser is described in this report. This strategy uses the strengths of both computational and experimental analyses to determine beneficial vortex generator locations and sizes. A parabolized Navier-Stokes solver, RNS3D, was used to establish proper placement of the vortex generators for reduction in circumferential total pressure distortion. Experimental measurements were used to determine proper vortex generator sizing to minimize total pressure recovery losses associated with vortex generator device drag. The best result achieved a 59% reduction in the distortion index DC60, with a 0.3% reduction in total pressure recovery.

Fluid Dynamics of a Novel Micro-Fistula Implant for the Surgical Treatment of Glaucoma.

PubMed

Sheybani, Arsham; Reitsamer, Herbert; Ahmed, Iqbal Ike K

2015-07-01

The purpose of this study was to describe the fluidics of a novel non-valved glaucoma implant designed to prevent hypotony and compare the fluidics of this device with two commonly used non-valved glaucoma devices. The XEN 45 micro-fistula implant was designed to limit hypotony by virtue of its length and width according to the Hagen-Poiseuille equation. Flow testing was performed using a syringe pump and pressure transducer at multiple flow rates. The pressure differentials across the XEN implant, the Ex-Press implant, and 10 mm of silicone tubing from a Baerveldt implant at a physiologic flow rate (2.5 μL/min) were extrapolated. The XEN 45 achieved a steady-state pressure calculated at 7.56 mm Hg at 2.5 μL/min. At the same flow rate, the Ex-Press device and Baerveldt tubing reached steady-state pressures of 0.09 and 0.01 mm Hg, respectively. Under flow testing, the XEN micro-fistula implant was able to maintain backpressure above numerical hypotony levels without the use of complex valve systems. This is due to the XEN implant's design, derived from the principles that dictate Newtonian fluids.

Advanced Design Features of APR1400 and Realization in Shin Kori Construction Project

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

OH, S.J.; Park, K.C.; Kim, H.G.

2006-07-01

APR1400 adopted several advanced design features. To ensure their proper operation as a part of ShinKori 3,4 project, both experimental and analytical work are continuing. In this paper, work on the advanced design features related to enhanced safety is examined. APR1400 safety injection system consists of four independent trains which include four safety injection pump and tanks. A passive flow regulating device called fluidic device is installed in the safety injection tanks. Separate effect tests including a full scale fluidic device tests have been conducted. Integral system tests are in progress. Combination of these work with the analytical work usingmore » RELAP5/Mod3 would ensure the proper operation of the new safety injection systems. To mitigate severe accidents, hydrogen mitigation system using PARs and igniters is adopted. Also, active injection system and the streamlined insulation design are adopted to enhance the in-vessel retention capability with the external cooling of RPV strategy. Analytic work with supporting experiments is performed. We are certain that these preparatory work would help the successful adaptation of ADF in ShinKori project. (authors)« less

Microvalve-based microfluidic device for C. elegans manipulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johari, S.; Nock, V.; Alkaisi, M. M.; Wang, W.

2017-09-01

In this paper, we report on the integration of a force measurement application capable of continuously measuring the forces generated by C. elegans in motion with a series of controllable microvalves which have an additional ability to increase control over worm selection and manipulation. The three-layer device consists of a pneumatic layer at the top, and a fluidic layer at the bottom with a thin PDMS membrane which functions as a microvalve sandwiched in between. The pneumatic layer functions as valves, whose operation is controlled pneumatically. The fluidic layer contains of PDMS micropillars for resolving the worm force from the deflection of the cantilever-like pillars. The measured force is horizontal and equivalent to a point force acting at half of the pillar height. By carefully controlling the incorporated microvalves, the proposed device is able to select and direct worm movement and at the same time increase the number of force measurement results collected. The integration of the microvalve with the PDMS micropillar-based on chip system can be easily combined with existing screening and imaging systems and also has the capability to facilitate high-throughput screening of force patterns in C. elegans locomotion behaviour.

Flow field over the wing of a delta-wing fighter model with vortex control devices at Mach 0.6 to 1.2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bare, E. Ann; Reubush, David E.; Haddad, Raymond C.

1992-01-01

As part of a cooperative research program between NASA, McDonnell Douglas Corporation, and Wright Research and Development Center, a flow field investigation was conducted on a 7.52 percent scale windtunnel model of an advanced fighter aircraft design. The investigation was conducted in the Langley 16 ft Transonic Tunnel at Mach numbers of 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2. Angle of attack was varied from -4 degrees to 30 degrees and the model was tested at angles of sideslip of 0, 5, and -5 degrees. Data for the over the wing flow field were obtained at four axial survey stations by the use of six 5 hole conical probes mounted on a survey mechanism. The wing leading edge primary vortex exerted the greatest influence in terms of total pressure loss on the over the wing flow field in the area surveyed. A number of vortex control devices were also investigated. They included two different apex flaps, wing leading edge vortex flaps, and small large wing fences. The vortex flap and both apex flaps were beneficial in controlling the wing leading edge primary vortex.

Effects of leading-edge devices on the low-speed aerodynamic characteristics of a highly-swept arrow-wing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, S. J.; Nicks, O. W.; Imbrie, P. K.

1985-01-01

An investigation was conducted in the Texas A&M University 7 by 10 foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel to provide a direct comparison of the effect of several leading edge devices on the aerodynamic performance of a highly swept wing configuration. Analysis of the data indicates that for the configuration with undeflected leading edges, vortex separation first occurs on the outboard wing panel for angles of attack of approximately 2, and wing apex vorticies become apparent for alpha or = 4 deg. However, the occurrence of the leading edge vortex flow may be postponed with leading edge devices. Of the devices considered, the most promising were a simple leading edge deflection of 30 deg and a leading edge slat system. The trailing edge flap effectiveness was found to be essentially the same for the configuration employing either of these more promising leading edge devices. Analysis of the lateral directional data showed that for all of the concepts considered, deflecting leading edge downward in an attempt to postpone leading edge vortex flows, has the favorable effect of reducing the effective dihedral.

ELISA-LOC: lab-on-a-chip for enzyme-linked immunodetection.

PubMed

Sun, Steven; Yang, Minghui; Kostov, Yordan; Rasooly, Avraham

2010-08-21

A miniature 96 sample ELISA-lab-on-a-chip (ELISA-LOC) was designed, fabricated, and tested for immunological detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB). The chip integrates a simple microfluidics system into a miniature ninety-six sample plate, allowing the user to carry out an immunological assay without a laboratory. Assay reagents are delivered into the assay plate without the need for separate devices commonly used in immunoassays. The ELISA-LOC was constructed using Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) technology to assemble six layers with an acrylic (poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)) core and five polycarbonate layers micromachined by a CO(2) laser. The ELISA-LOC has three main functional elements: reagent loading fluidics, assay and detection wells, and reagent removal fluidics, a simple "surface tension" valve used to control the flow. To enhance assay sensitivity and to perform the assay without a lab, ELISA-LOC detection combines several biosensing elements: (1) carbon nanotube (CNT) technology to enhance primary antibody immobilization, (2) sensitive ECL (electrochemiluminescence) detection, and (3) a charge-coupled device (CCD) detector for measuring the light signal generated by ECL. Using a sandwich ELISA assay, the system detected SEB at concentrations as low as 0.1 ng ml(-1), which is similar to the reported sensitivity of conventional ELISA. The fluidics system can be operated by a syringe and does not require power for operation. This simple point-of-care (POC) system is useful for carrying out various immunological assays and other complex medical assays without a laboratory.

A portable cell-based impedance sensor for toxicity testing of drinking water.

PubMed

Curtis, Theresa M; Widder, Mark W; Brennan, Linda M; Schwager, Steven J; van der Schalie, William H; Fey, Julien; Salazar, Noe

2009-08-07

A major limitation to using mammalian cell-based biosensors for field testing of drinking water samples is the difficulty of maintaining cell viability and sterility without an on-site cell culture facility. This paper describes a portable automated bench-top mammalian cell-based toxicity sensor that incorporates enclosed fluidic biochips containing endothelial cells monitored by Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) technology. Long-term maintenance of cells on the biochips is made possible by using a compact, self-contained disposable media delivery system. The toxicity sensor monitors changes in impedance of cell monolayers on the biochips after the introduction of water samples. The fluidic biochip includes an ECIS electronic layer and a polycarbonate channel layer, which together reduce initial impedance disturbances seen in commercially available open well ECIS chips caused by the mechanics of pipetting while maintaining the ability of the cells to respond to toxicants. A curve discrimination program was developed that compares impedance values over time between the control and treatment channels on the fluidic biochip and determines if they are significantly different. Toxicant responses of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells grown on fluidic biochips are similar to cells on commercially-available open well chips, and these cells can be maintained in the toxicity sensor device for at least nine days using an automated media delivery system. Longer-term cell storage is possible; bovine lung microvessel endothelial cells survive for up to four months on the fluidic biochips and remain responsive to a model toxicant. This is the first demonstration of a portable bench top system capable of both supporting cell health over extended periods of time and obtaining impedance measurements from endothelial cell monolayers after toxicant exposure.

Toward Cooling Uniformity: Investigation of Spiral, Sweeping Holes, and Unconventional Cooling Paradigms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shyam, Vikram; Thurman, Douglas R.; Poinsatte, Philip E.; Ameri, Ali A.; Culley, Dennis E.

2018-01-01

Surface infrared thermography, hotwire anemometry, and thermocouple surveys were performed on two new film cooling hole geometries: spiral/rifled holes and fluidic sweeping holes. Ways to quantify the efficacy of novel cooling holes that are asymmetric, not uniformly spaced or that show variation from hole to hole are presented. The spiral holes attempt to induce large-scale vorticity to the film cooling jet as it exits the hole to prevent the formation of the kidney shaped vortices commonly associated with film cooling jets. The fluidic sweeping hole uses a passive in-hole geometry to induce jet sweeping at frequencies that scale with blowing ratios. The spiral hole performance is compared to that of round holes with and without compound angles. The fluidic hole is of the diffusion class of holes and is therefore compared to a 777 hole and square holes. A patent-pending spiral hole design showed the highest potential of the nondiffusion type hole configurations. Velocity contours and flow temperature were acquired at discreet cross-sections of the downstream flow field. The passive fluidic sweeping hole shows the most uniform cooling distribution but suffers from low span-averaged effectiveness levels due to enhanced mixing. The data was taken at a Reynolds number of 11,000 based on hole diameter and freestream velocity. Infrared thermography was taken for blowing ratios of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 at a density ratio of 1.05. The flow inside the fluidic sweeping hole was studied using 3D unsteady RANS. A section on ideas for future work is included that addresses issues of quantifying cooling uniformity and provides some ideas for changing the way we think about cooling such as changing the direction of cooling or coupling acoustic devices to cooling holes to regulate frequency.

Subscale Ship Airwake Studies Using Novel Vortex Flow Devices with Smoke, Laser-Vapor-Screen and Particle Image Velocimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lamar, John E.; Landman, Drew; Swift, Russell S.; Parikh, Paresh C.

2007-01-01

Ships produce vortices and air-wakes while either underway or stationary in a wind. These flow fields can be detrimental to the conduction of air operations in that they can adversely impact the air vehicles and flight crews. There are potential solutions to these problems for both frigates/destroyers and carriers through the use of novel vortex flow or flow control devices. This appendix highlights several devices which may have application and points out that traditional wind-tunnel testing using smoke, laser-vapor screen, and Particle Image Velocimetry can be useful in sorting out the effectiveness of different devices.

3D-printed Microfluidic Devices: Fabrication, Advantages and Limitations—a Mini Review

PubMed Central

Chen, Chengpeng; Mehl, Benjamin T.; Munshi, Akash S.; Townsend, Alexandra D.; Spence, Dana M.; Martin, R. Scott

2016-01-01

A mini-review with 79 references. In this review, the most recent trends in 3D-printed microfluidic devices are discussed. In addition, a focus is given to the fabrication aspects of these devices, with the supplemental information containing detailed instructions for designing a variety of structures including: a microfluidic channel, threads to accommodate commercial fluidic fittings, a flow splitter; a well plate, a mold for PDMS channel casting; and how to combine multiple designs into a single device. The advantages and limitations of 3D-printed microfluidic devices are thoroughly discussed, as are some future directions for the field. PMID:27617038

3D-printed Microfluidic Devices: Fabrication, Advantages and Limitations-a Mini Review.

PubMed

Chen, Chengpeng; Mehl, Benjamin T; Munshi, Akash S; Townsend, Alexandra D; Spence, Dana M; Martin, R Scott

2016-08-21

A mini-review with 79 references. In this review, the most recent trends in 3D-printed microfluidic devices are discussed. In addition, a focus is given to the fabrication aspects of these devices, with the supplemental information containing detailed instructions for designing a variety of structures including: a microfluidic channel, threads to accommodate commercial fluidic fittings, a flow splitter; a well plate, a mold for PDMS channel casting; and how to combine multiple designs into a single device. The advantages and limitations of 3D-printed microfluidic devices are thoroughly discussed, as are some future directions for the field.

Bubble Jet agent release cartridge for chemical single cell stimulation.

PubMed

Wangler, N; Welsche, M; Blazek, M; Blessing, M; Vervliet-Scheebaum, M; Reski, R; Müller, C; Reinecke, H; Steigert, J; Roth, G; Zengerle, R; Paust, N

2013-02-01

We present a new method for the distinct specific chemical stimulation of single cells and small cell clusters within their natural environment. By single-drop release of chemical agents with droplets in size of typical cell diameters (d <30 μm) on-demand micro gradients can be generated for the specific manipulation of single cells. A single channel and a double channel agent release cartridge with integrated fluidic structures and integrated agent reservoirs are shown, tested, and compared in this publication. The single channel setup features a fluidic structure fabricated by anisotropic etching of silicon. To allow for simultaneous release of different agents even though maintaining the same device size, the second type comprises a double channel fluidic structure, fabricated by photolithographic patterning of TMMF. Dispensed droplet volumes are V = 15 pl and V = 10 pl for the silicon and the TMMF based setups, respectively. Utilizing the agent release cartridges, the application in biological assays was demonstrated by hormone-stimulated premature bud formation in Physcomitrella patens and the individual staining of one single L 929 cell within a confluent grown cell culture.

Optimal Control of Objects on the Micro- and Nano-Scale by Electrokinetic and Electromagnetic Manipulation: for Bio-Sample Preparation, Quantum Information Devices and Magnetic Drug Delivery

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

property variations. The system described here is a simple 4-electrode microfluidic device made of polydimethylsiloxane PDMS [50-53] which is reversibly...through the fluid and heat it.) A more detailed description and analysis of the physics of electroosmotic actuation can be found in [46, 83] In...a control algorithm on a standard personal computer. The micro-fluidic device is made out of a soft polymer ( polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)) and is

Effects of surface properties on droplet formation inside a microfluidic device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinhaus, Ben; Shen, Amy

2004-11-01

Micro-fluidic devices offer a unique method of creating and controlling droplets on small length scales. A microfluidic device is used to study the effects of surface properties on droplet formation of a 2-phase flow system. Four phase diagrams are generated to compare the dynamics of the 2 immiscible fluid system (silicone oil and water) inside microchannels with different surface properties. Results show that the channel surface plays an important role in determining the flow patterns and the droplet formation of the 2-phase fluid system.

"Off-the-shelf" 3-D microfluidic nozzle.

PubMed

Terray, Alex; Hart, Sean J

2010-07-07

We present the construction and operation of a microfluidic nozzle created using several standard fluidic parts available commercially. By elegantly combining several pieces from a standard assembly, a capillary and a few other standard parts, we were able to develop a novel device. Using this device, precise axisymmetric flow focusing of particles was achieved and observed at the exit of the nozzle and within a connected microfluidic device several centimetres away. Sheath and core flow rates were varied to show influence and control over the width of the focused particles.

MEMS fluidic actuator

DOEpatents

Kholwadwala, Deepesh K [Albuquerque, NM; Johnston, Gabriel A [Trophy Club, TX; Rohrer, Brandon R [Albuquerque, NM; Galambos, Paul C [Albuquerque, NM; Okandan, Murat [Albuquerque, NM

2007-07-24

The present invention comprises a novel, lightweight, massively parallel device comprising microelectromechanical (MEMS) fluidic actuators, to reconfigure the profile, of a surface. Each microfluidic actuator comprises an independent bladder that can act as both a sensor and an actuator. A MEMS sensor, and a MEMS valve within each microfluidic actuator, operate cooperatively to monitor the fluid within each bladder, and regulate the flow of the fluid entering and exiting each bladder. When adjacently spaced in a array, microfluidic actuators can create arbitrary surface profiles in response to a change in the operating environment of the surface. In an embodiment of the invention, the profile of an airfoil is controlled by independent extension and contraction of a plurality of actuators, that operate to displace a compliant cover.

Review of the physics of enhancing vortex lift by unsteady excitation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, J. Z.; Vakili, A. D.; Wu, J. M.

1991-01-01

A review aimed at providing a physical understanding of the crucial mechanisms for obtaining super lift by means of unsteady excitations is presented. Particular attention is given to physical problems, including rolled-up vortex layer instability and receptivity, wave-vortex interaction and resonance, nonlinear streaming, instability of vortices behind bluff bodies and their shedding, and vortex breakdown. A general theoretical framework suitable for handling the unsteady vortex flows is introduced. It is suggested that wings with swept and sharp leading edges, equipped with devices for unsteady excitations, could yield the first breakthrough of the unsteady separation barrier and provide super lift at post-stall angle of attack.

Variable-gravity anti-vortex and vapor-ingestion-suppression device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grayson, Gary D. (Inventor)

2003-01-01

A liquid propellant management device for placement in a liquid storage tank adjacent an outlet of the storage tank to substantially reduce or eliminate the formation of a dip and vortex in the liquid of the tank, as well as prevent vapor ingestion into the outlet, as the liquid drains out through the outlet. The liquid propellant management device has a first member adapted to suppress the formation of a vortex of a liquid exiting the storage tank. A plate is affixed generally perpendicular to the first member, wherein the plate is adapted to suppress vapor ingestion into the outlet by reducing a dip in a surface level of the liquid leaving the tank. A second member is affixed to the second side of the plate. The second member ensures that the plate is wet with liquid and assists in positioning bubbles away from the outlet.

Formation of high-order acoustic Bessel beams by spiral diffraction gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez, Noé; Picó, R.; Sánchez-Morcillo, V.; Romero-García, V.; García-Raffi, L. M.; Staliunas, K.

2016-11-01

The formation of high-order Bessel beams by a passive acoustic device consisting of an Archimedes' spiral diffraction grating is theoretically, numerically, and experimentally reported in this paper. These beams are propagation-invariant solutions of the Helmholtz equation and are characterized by an azimuthal variation of the phase along its annular spectrum producing an acoustic vortex in the near field. In our system, the scattering of plane acoustic waves by the spiral grating leads to the formation of the acoustic vortex with zero pressure on axis and the angular phase dislocations characterized by the spiral geometry. The order of the generated Bessel beam and, as a consequence, the size of the generated vortex can be fixed by the number of arms in the spiral diffraction grating. The obtained results allow for obtaining Bessel beams with controllable vorticity by a passive device, which has potential applications in low-cost acoustic tweezers and acoustic radiation force devices.

Vortex energy landscape from real space imaging analysis of YBa2Cu3O7 with different defect structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luccas, R. F.; Granados, X.; Obradors, X.; Puig, T.

2014-10-01

A methodology based on real space vortex image analysis is presented able to estimate semi-quantitatively the relevant energy densities of an arbitrary array of vortices, map the interaction energy distributions and evaluate the pinning energy associated to particular defects. The combined study using nanostructuration tools, a vortex visualization technique and the energy method is seen as an opportunity to estimate vortex pinning potentials strengths. Particularly, spatial distributions of vortex energy densities induced by surface nanoindented scratches are evaluated and compared to those of twin boundaries. This comparative study underlines the remarkable role of surface nanoscratches in pinning vortices and its potentiality in the design of novel devices for pinning and guiding vortex motion.

Fabrication of nanoporous membranes for tuning microbial interactions and biochemical reactions

DOE PAGES

Shankles, Peter G.; Timm, Andrea C.; Doktycz, Mitchel J.; ...

2015-10-21

Here we describe how new strategies for combining conventional photo- and soft- lithographic techniques with high-resolution patterning and etching strategies are needed in order to produce multi-scale fluidic platforms that address the full range of functional scales seen in complex biological and chemical systems. The smallest resolution required for an application often dictates the fabrication method used. Micromachining and micro-powder blasting yield higher throughput, but lack the resolution needed to fully address biological and chemical systems at the cellular and molecular scales. In contrast, techniques such as electron beam lithography or nanoimprinting allow nanoscale resolution, but are traditionally considered costlymore » and slow. Other techniques such as photolithography or soft lithography have characteristics between these extremes. Combining these techniques to fabricate multi-scale or hybrid fluidics allows fundamental biological and chemical questions can be answered. In this study, a combination of photolithography and electron beam lithography are used to produce two multi-scale fluidic devices that incorporate porous membranes into complex fluidic networks to control the flow of energy, information, and materials in chemical form. In the first device, materials and energy were used to support chemical reactions. A nanoporous membrane fabricated with e-beam lithography separates two parallel, serpentine channels. Photolithography was used to write microfluidic channels around the membrane. The pores were written at 150nm and reduced in size with silicon dioxide deposition from plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD). Using this method, the molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) of the membrane can be adapted to the system of interest. In the second approach, photolithography was used to fabricate 200nm thin pores. The pores confined microbes and allowed energy replenishment from a media perfusion channel. The same device can be used for study of intercellular communication via the secretion and uptake of signal molecules. Pore size was tested with 750nm fluorescent polystyrene beads and fluorescein dye. The 200nm PDMS pores were shown to be robust enough to hold 750nm beads while under pressure, but allow fluorescein to diffuse across the barrier. Further testing showed that extended culture of bacteria within the chambers was possible. Finally, these two examples show how lithographically defined porous membranes can be adapted to two unique situations and used to tune the flow of chemical energy, materials, and information within a microfluidic network.« less

Design and Application of a New Automated Fluidic Visceral Stimulation Device for Human fMRI Studies of Interoception

PubMed Central

Gassert, Roger; Wanek, Johann; Michels, Lars; Mehnert, Ulrich; Kollias, Spyros S.

2016-01-01

Mapping the brain centers that mediate the sensory-perceptual processing of visceral afferent signals arising from the body (i.e., interoception) is useful both for characterizing normal brain activity and for understanding clinical disorders related to abnormal processing of visceral sensation. Here, we report a novel closed-system, electrohydrostatically driven master–slave device that was designed and constructed for delivering controlled fluidic stimulations of visceral organs and inner cavities of the human body within the confines of a 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The design concept and performance of the device in the MRI environment are described. In addition, the device was applied during a functional MRI (fMRI) investigation of visceral stimulation related to detrusor distention in two representative subjects to verify its feasibility in humans. System evaluation tests demonstrate that the device is MR-compatible with negligible impact on imaging quality [static signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) loss <2.5% and temporal SNR loss <3.5%], and has an accuracy of 99.68% for flow rate and 99.27% for volume delivery. A precise synchronization of the stimulus delivery with fMRI slice acquisition was achieved by programming the proposed device to detect the 5 V transistor–transistor logic (TTL) trigger signals generated by the MRI scanner. The fMRI data analysis using the general linear model analysis with the standard hemodynamic response function showed increased activations in the network of brain regions that included the insula, anterior and mid-cingulate and lateral prefrontal cortices, and thalamus in response to increased distension pressure on viscera. The translation from manually operated devices to an MR-compatible and MR-synchronized device under automatic control represents a useful innovation for clinical neuroimaging studies of human interoception. PMID:27551646

Vortex tube can increase liquid hydrocarbon recovery at plant inlet

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hajdik, B.; Lorey, M.; Steinle, J.

1997-09-08

Use of a vortex-tube device yields improved inlet gas-liquid separation, when compared with a Joule-Thomson system, but is less costly and complex than a true isentropic system, such as a turboexpander. Because the vortex-tube unit provides separation as well as pressure reduction, the capital cost of a Joule-Thomson system with valve and separator will be similar to that of the vortex-tube system. Future applications of vortex-tube units will be concentrated where performance improvements over Joule-Thomson units, at low capital cost, are required. The operating characteristics of a vortex tube permit gas, in part, to be reduced in temperature to lessmore » than that normally achievable through isenthalpic expansion. The following three examples show how vortex technology can be applied to achieve these aims.« less

Enhanced cell trapping throughput using DC-biased AC electric field in a dielectrophoresis-based fluidic device with densely packed silica beads.

PubMed

Lewpiriyawong, Nuttawut; Xu, Guolin; Yang, Chun

2018-03-01

This paper presents the use of DC-biased AC electric field for enhancing cell trapping throughput in an insulator-based dielectrophoretic (iDEP) fluidic device with densely packed silica beads. Cell suspension is carried through the iDEP device by a pressure-driven flow. Under an applied DC-biased AC electric field, DEP trapping force is produced as a result of non-uniform electric field induced by the gap of electrically insulating silica beads packed between two mesh electrodes that allow both fluid and cells to pass through. While the AC component is mainly to control the magnitude of DEP trapping force, the DC component generates local electroosmotic (EO) flow in the cavity between the beads and the EO flow can be set to move along or against the main pressure-driven flow. Our experimental and simulation results show that desirable trapping is achieved when the EO flow direction is along (not against) the main flow direction. Using our proposed DC-biased AC field, the device can enhance the trapping throughput (in terms of the flowrate of cell suspension) up to five times while yielding almost the same cell capture rates as compared to the pure AC field case. Additionally, the device was demonstrated to selectively trap dead yeast cells from a mixture of flowing live and dead yeast cells. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Initial Results of Optical Vortex Laser Absorption Spectroscopy in the HYPER-I Device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshimura, Shinji; Asai, Shoma; Aramaki, Mitsutoshi; Terasaka, Kenichiro; Ozawa, Naoya; Tanaka, Masayoshi; Morisaki, Tomohiro

2015-11-01

Optical vortex beams have a potential to make a new Doppler measurement, because not only parallel but perpendicular movement of atoms against the beam axis causes the Doppler shift of their resonant absorption frequency. As the first step of a proof-of-principle experiment, we have performed the optical vortex laser absorption spectroscopy for metastable argon neutrals in an ECR plasma produced in the HYPER-I device at the National Institute for Fusion Science, Japan. An external cavity diode laser (TOPTICA, DL100) of which center wavelength was 696.735 nm in vacuum was used for the light source. The Hermite-Gaussian (HG) beam was converted into the Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beam (optical vortex) by a computer-generated hologram displayed on the spatial light modulator (Hamamatsu, LCOS-SLM X10468-07). In order to make fast neutral flow across the LG beam, a high speed solenoid valve system was installed on the HYPER-I device. Initial results including the comparison of absorption spectra for HG and LG beams will be presented. This study was supported by NINS young scientists collaboration program for cross-disciplinary study, NIFS collaboration research program (NIFS13KOAP026), and JSPS KAKENHI grant number 15K05365.

Energy transfer between a passing vortex ring and a flexible plate in an ideal quiescent fluid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hu, JiaCheng; Peterson, Sean D., E-mail: peterson@mme.uwaterloo.ca; Porfiri, Maurizio

Recent advancements in highly deformable smart materials have lead to increasing interest in small-scale energy harvesting research for powering low consumption electronic devices. One such recent experimental study by Goushcha et al. explored energy harvesting from a passing vortex ring by a cantilevered smart material plate oriented parallel to and offset from the path of the ring in an otherwise quiescent fluid. The present study focuses on modeling this experimental study using potential flow to facilitate optimization of the energy extraction from the passing ring to raise the energy harvesting potential of the device. The problem is modeled in two-dimensionsmore » with the vortex ring represented as a pair of counter-rotating free vortices. Vortex pair parameters are determined to match the convection speed of the ring in the experiments, as well as the imposed pressure loading on the plate. The plate is approximated as a Kirchhoff-Love plate and represented as a finite length vortex sheet in the fluid domain. The analytical model matches experimental measurements, including the tip displacement, the integrated force along the entire plate length as a function of vortex ring position, and the pressure along the plate. The potential flow solution is employed in a parametric study of the governing dimensionless parameters in an effort to guide the selection of plate properties for optimal energy harvesting performance. Results of the study indicate an optimal set of plate properties for a given vortex ring configuration, in which the time-scale of vortex advection matches that of the plate vibration.« less

Improving acoustic streaming effects in fluidic systems by matching SU-8 and polydimethylsiloxane layers.

PubMed

Catarino, S O; Minas, G; Miranda, J M

2016-07-01

This paper reports the use of acoustic waves for promoting and improving streaming in tridimensional polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cuvettes of 15mm width×14mm height×2.5mm thickness. The acoustic waves are generated by a 28μm thick poly(vinylidene fluoride) - PVDF - piezoelectric transducer in its β phase, actuated at its resonance frequency: 40MHz. The acoustic transmission properties of two materials - SU-8 and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) - were numerically compared. It was concluded that PDMS inhibits, while SU-8 allows, the transmission of the acoustic waves to the propagation medium. Therefore, by simulating the acoustic transmission properties of different materials, it is possible to preview the acoustic behavior in the fluidic system, which allows the optimization of the best layout design, saving costs and time. This work also presents a comparison between numerical and experimental results of acoustic streaming obtained with that β-PVDF transducer in the movement and in the formation of fluid recirculation in tridimensional closed domains. Differences between the numerical and experimental results are credited to the high sensitivity of acoustic streaming to the experimental conditions and to limitations of the numerical method. The reported study contributes for the improvement of simulation models that can be extremely useful for predicting the acoustic effects of new materials in fluidic devices, as well as for optimizing the transducers and matching layers positioning in a fluidic structure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Flow Batteries for Microfluidic Networks – Configuring An Electroosmotic Pump for Non-Terminal Positions

PubMed Central

He, Chiyang; Lu, Joann J.; Jia, Zhijian; Wang, Wei; Wang, Xiayan; Dasgupta, Purnendu K.; Liu, Shaorong

2011-01-01

A micropump provides flow and pressure for a lab-on-chip device, just as a battery supplies current and voltage for an electronic system. Numerous micropumps have been developed, but none is as versatile as a battery. One cannot easily insert a micropump into a nonterminal position of a fluidic line without affecting the rest of the fluidic system, one cannot simply connect several micropumps in series to enhance the pressure output, etc. In this work we develop a flow battery (or pressure power supply) to address this issue. A flow battery consists of a +EOP (in which the liquid flows in the same direction as the field gradient) and a −EOP (in which the liquid flows opposite to the electric field gradient), and the outlet of the +EOP is directly connected to the inlet of the −EOP. An external high voltage is applied to this outlet-inlet joint via a short gel-filled capillary that allows ions but not bulk liquid flow, while the +EOP’s inlet and the −EOP’s outlet (the flow battery’s inlet and outlet) are grounded. This flow battery can be deployed anywhere in a fluidic network without electrically affecting the rest of the system. Several flow batteries can be connected in series to enhance the pressure output to drive HPLC separations. In a fluidic system powered by flow batteries, a hydraulic Ohm’s law can be applied to analyze system pressures and flow rates. PMID:21375230

Vortex Domain Structure in Ferroelectric Nanoplatelets and Control of its Transformation by Mechanical Load

PubMed Central

Chen, W. J.; Zheng, Yue; Wang, Biao

2012-01-01

Vortex domain patterns in low-dimensional ferroelectrics and multiferroics have been extensively studied with the aim of developing nanoscale functional devices. However, control of the vortex domain structure has not been investigated systematically. Taking into account effects of inhomogeneous electromechanical fields, ambient temperature, surface and size, we demonstrate significant influence of mechanical load on the vortex domain structure in ferroelectric nanoplatelets. Our analysis shows that the size and number of dipole vortices can be controlled by mechanical load, and yields rich temperature-stress (T-S) phase diagrams. Simulations also reveal that transformations between “vortex states” induced by the mechanical load are possible, which is totally different from the conventional way controlled on the vortex domain by the electric field. These results are relevant to application of vortex domain structures in ferroelectric nanodevices, and suggest a novel route to applications including memories, mechanical sensors and transducers. PMID:23150769

Magnetic-Field-Tunable Superconducting Rectifier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sadleir, John E.

2009-01-01

Superconducting electronic components have been developed that provide current rectification that is tunable by design and with an externally applied magnetic field to the circuit component. The superconducting material used in the device is relatively free of pinning sites with its critical current determined by a geometric energy barrier to vortex entry. The ability of the vortices to move freely inside the device means this innovation does not suffer from magnetic hysteresis effects changing the state of the superconductor. The invention requires a superconductor geometry with opposite edges along the direction of current flow. In order for the critical current asymmetry effect to occur, the device must have different vortex nucleation conditions at opposite edges. Alternative embodiments producing the necessary conditions include edges being held at different temperatures, at different local magnetic fields, with different current-injection geometries, and structural differences between opposite edges causing changes in the size of the geometric energy barrier. An edge fabricated with indentations of the order of the coherence length will significantly lower the geometric energy barrier to vortex entry, meaning vortex passage across the device at lower currents causing resistive dissipation. The existing prototype is a two-terminal device consisting of a thin-film su - perconducting strip operating at a temperature below its superconducting transition temperature (Tc). Opposite ends of the strip are connected to electrical leads made of a higher Tc superconductor. The thin-film lithographic process provides an easy means to alter edge-structures, current-injection geo - metries, and magnetic-field conditions at the edges. The edge-field conditions can be altered by using local field(s) generated from dedicated higher Tc leads or even using the device s own higher Tc superconducting leads.

Molecular Rotors

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-31

microwave signal processing components, and micro-fluidic devices. The projected involved the preparation, surface mounting, and characterization of...Guisinger, R. Basu, and M. C. Hersam, “Atomic-level characterization and control of free radical surface chemistry using scanning tunneling microscopy...Basu, and M. C. Hersam, “Atomic level characterization and control of organosilicon surface chemistry using scanning tunneling microscopy,” presented

MicrofluIdic circuit designs for performing electrokinetic manipulations that reduce the number of voltage sources and fluid reservoirs

DOEpatents

Jacobson, Stephen C.; Ramsey, J. Michael

2000-01-01

A microfabricated device and method for proportioning and mixing electrokinetically manipulated biological or chemical materials is disclosed. The microfabricated device mixes a plurality of materials in volumetric proportions controlled by the electrical resistances of tributary reagent channels through which the materials are transported. The microchip includes two or more tributary reagent channels combining at one or more junctions to form one or more mixing channels. By varying the geometries of the channels (length, cross section, etc.), a plurality of reagent materials can be mixed at a junction such that the proportions of the reagent materials in the mixing channel depend on a ratio of the channel geometries and material properties. Such an approach facilitates voltage division on the microchip without relying on external wiring schemes and voltage division techniques external to the microchip. Microchannel designs that provide the necessary voltage division to accomplish electrokinetic valving operations using a single voltage source and a switch are also described. In addition, microchannel designs that accomplish fluidic operation utilizing a minimal number of fluidic reservoirs are disclosed.

Micro-fluidic (Lab-on the- Chip) PCR Array Cartridge for Biological Screening in a Hand Held Device: FInal Report for CRADA no 264. PNNL-T2-258-RU with CombiMatrix Corp

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rainina, Evguenia I.

2010-10-31

The worldwide emergence of both new and old diseases resulting from human expansion and also human and materials mobility has and will continue to place stress on both medical and clinical diagnostics. The classical approach to bioagents detection involves the use of differential metabolic assays to determine species type in the case of most bacteria, or the use of cell culture and electron microscopy to diagnose viruses and some bacteria that are intracellular parasites. The long-term goal in bioagent detection is to develop a hand-held instrument featuring disposable cartridges which contain all the necessary reagents, reaction chambers, waste chambers, andmore » micro-fluidics to extract, concentrate, amplify, and analyze nucleic acids. This GIPP project began development of a sensory platform using nucleic-acid based probes. Although research was not completed, initial findings indicated that an advanced sensing device could theoretically be built on a DNA/RNA-based technology platform.« less

Integration of lateral porous silicon membranes into planar microfluidics.

PubMed

Leïchlé, Thierry; Bourrier, David

2015-02-07

In this work, we present a novel fabrication process that enables the monolithic integration of lateral porous silicon membranes into single-layer planar microchannels. This fabrication technique relies on the patterning of local electrodes to guide pore formation horizontally within the membrane and on the use of silicon-on-insulator substrates to spatially localize porous silicon within the channel depth. The feasibility of our approach is studied by current flow analysis using the finite element method and supported by creating 10 μm long mesoporous membranes within 20 μm deep microchannels. The fabricated membranes are demonstrated to be potentially useful for dead-end microfiltration by adequately retaining 300 nm diameter beads while macromolecules such as single-stranded DNA and immunoglobulin G permeate the membrane. The experimentally determined fluidic resistance is in accordance with the theoretical value expected from the estimated pore size and porosity. The work presented here is expected to greatly simplify the integration of membranes capable of size exclusion based separation into fluidic devices and opens doors to the use of porous silicon in planar lab on a chip devices.

Engineering fluidic delays in paper-based devices using laser direct-writing.

PubMed

He, P J W; Katis, I N; Eason, R W; Sones, C L

2015-10-21

We report the use of a new laser-based direct-write technique that allows programmable and timed fluid delivery in channels within a paper substrate which enables implementation of multi-step analytical assays. The technique is based on laser-induced photo-polymerisation, and through adjustment of the laser writing parameters such as the laser power and scan speed we can control the depth and/or the porosity of hydrophobic barriers which, when fabricated in the fluid path, produce controllable fluid delay. We have patterned these flow delaying barriers at pre-defined locations in the fluidic channels using either a continuous wave laser at 405 nm, or a pulsed laser operating at 266 nm. Using this delay patterning protocol we generated flow delays spanning from a few minutes to over half an hour. Since the channels and flow delay barriers can be written via a common laser-writing process, this is a distinct improvement over other methods that require specialist operating environments, or custom-designed equipment. This technique can therefore be used for rapid fabrication of paper-based microfluidic devices that can perform single or multistep analytical assays.

Investigation of injection molding of orthogonal fluidic connector for microfluidic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zheng; Cao, Dong; Zhao, Wei; Song, Man-cang; Liu, Jun-shan

2017-02-01

Orthogonal fluidic connections are essential for developing multilayered microfluidic devices. At present, most orthogonal connectors are realized by a horizontal channel and a vertical channel in different plates. Therefore, some extra alignment and adhesion processes for precise plate assembly are required. In this paper, the method of injection molding is proposed to make a one-body-type orthogonal connector in a single plastic plate. The connector was composed of a cantilevered tube and the other in the substrate. An injection mold was developed in which a side core-pulling mechanism and an ejection mechanism of push-pipes were combined to form the mold for an orthogonal connector. Both the type and the location of gate were optimized for the mold. The results showed that the fan gate in the middle position of the plate was the most suitable in term of both defect control and practicability. The effect of melt temperature was numerically investigated and then verified experimentally. With the optimized parameters, the relative length and the relative wall thickness of a cantilevered tube in the plastic part can reach 98.89% and 99.80%, respectively. Furthermore, using the plastic part as a cover plate, a three-layer plastic microfluidic device was conveniently fabricated for electrochemical detection.

Improvement of vibration energy harvesters mechanical Q-factor through high density proof mass integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dompierre, A.; Fréchette, L. G.

2016-11-01

This paper reports on improvement of the mechanical Q-factor of resonant energy harvesters at ambient pressure via the use of tungsten proof masses by evaluating the impact of the mass size and density on the squeeze film damping. To this end, a simplified model is first proposed to evaluate cantilever beams deflection and the resulting fluid pressure build up between the mass and a near surface. The model, which accounts for simultaneous transverse and rotational motion of very long tip masses as well as for 2D fluid flow in the gap, is used to extract a scaling law for the device fluidic Q-factor Qf. This law states that Qf can be improved by either increasing the linear mass density of the tip mass or by reducing the side lengths compared to the gap height. The first approach is validated experimentally by adding a tungsten proof mass on a silicon based device and observing an improvement of the Q-factor by 103%, going from 430 to 871, while the resonance frequency drops from 457 to 127 Hz. In terms of fluidic Q-factor, this represents an increase from 562 to 1673. These results successfully demonstrate the benefits of integrating a tungsten mass to reduce the fluid losses while potentially reducing the device footprint.

Fluidic switching in nanochannels for the control of Inchworm: a synthetic biomolecular motor with a power stroke.

PubMed

Niman, Cassandra S; Zuckermann, Martin J; Balaz, Martina; Tegenfeldt, Jonas O; Curmi, Paul M G; Forde, Nancy R; Linke, Heiner

2014-12-21

Synthetic molecular motors typically take nanometer-scale steps through rectification of thermal motion. Here we propose Inchworm, a DNA-based motor that employs a pronounced power stroke to take micrometer-scale steps on a time scale of seconds, and we design, fabricate, and analyze the nanofluidic device needed to operate the motor. Inchworm is a kbp-long, double-stranded DNA confined inside a nanochannel in a stretched configuration. Motor stepping is achieved through externally controlled changes in salt concentration (changing the DNA's extension), coordinated with ligand-gated binding of the DNA's ends to the functionalized nanochannel surface. Brownian dynamics simulations predict that Inchworm's stall force is determined by its entropic spring constant and is ∼ 0.1 pN. Operation of the motor requires periodic cycling of four different buffers surrounding the DNA inside a nanochannel, while keeping constant the hydrodynamic load force on the DNA. We present a two-layer fluidic device incorporating 100 nm-radius nanochannels that are connected through a few-nm-wide slit to a microfluidic system used for in situ buffer exchanges, either diffusionally (zero flow) or with controlled hydrodynamic flow. Combining experiment with finite-element modeling, we demonstrate the device's key performance features and experimentally establish achievable Inchworm stepping times of the order of seconds or faster.

Single-mode light source fabrication based on colloidal quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jianfeng; Chen, Bing; Baig, Sarfaraz; Wang, Michael R.

2009-02-01

There are huge market demands for innovative, cheap and efficient light sources, including light emitting devices, such as LEDs and lasers. However, the light source development in the visible spectral range encounters significant difficulties these years. The available visible wavelength LEDs or lasers are few, large and expensive. The main challenge lies at the lack of efficient light media. Semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) have recently commanded considerable attention. As a result of quantum confinement effect, the emission color of these QDs covers the whole visible spectral range and can be modified dramatically by simply changing their size. Such spectral tunability, together with large photoluminescence quantum yield and photostability, make QDs attractive for potential applications in a variety of light emitting technologies. However, there are still several technical problems that hinder their application as light sources. One main issue is how to fabricate these QDs into a solid state device while still retaining their original optical emission properties. A vacuum assisted micro-fluidic fabrication of guided wave devices has demonstrated low waveguide propagation loss, lower crosstalk, and improved waveguide structures. We report herein the combination of the excellent emission properties of QDs and novel vacuum assisted micro-fluidic photonic structure fabrication technique to realize single-mode efficient light sources.

Multiplexing of adjacent vortex modes with the forked grating coupler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadovich, Christopher T.; Kosciolek, Derek J.; Crouse, David T.; Jemison, William D.

2017-08-01

For vortex fiber multiplexing to reach practical commercial viability, simple silicon photonic interfaces with vortex fiber will be required. These interfaces must support multiplexing. Toward this goal, an efficient singlefed multimode Forked Grating Coupler (FGC) for coupling two different optical vortex OAM charges to or from the TE0 and TE1 rectangular waveguide modes has been developed. A simple, apodized device implemented with e-beam lithography and a conventional dual-etch processing on SOI wafer exhibits low crosstalk and reasonable mode match. Advanced designs using this concept are expected to further improve performance.

Evaluation of stability and size distribution of sunflower oil-coated micro bubbles for localized drug delivery.

PubMed

Filho, Walter Duarte de Araujo; Schneider, Fábio Kurt; Morales, Rigoberto E M

2012-09-20

Micro bubbles were initially introduced as contrast agents for ultrasound examinations as they are able to modify the signal-to-noise ratio in imaging, thus improving the assessment of clinical information on human tissue. Recent developments have demonstrated the feasibility of using these bubbles as drug carriers in localized delivery. In micro fluidics devices for generation of micro bubbles, the bubbles are formed at interface of liquid gas through a strangulation process. A device that uses these features can produce micro bubbles with small size dispersion in a single step. A T-junction micro fluidic device constructed using 3D prototyping was made for the production of mono dispersed micro bubbles. These micro bubbles use sunflower oil as a lipid layer. Stability studies for micro bubbles with diameters different generated from a liquid phase of the same viscosity were conducted to evaluate whether micro bubbles can be used as drug carriers. The biocompatibility of coating layer, the ability to withstand environmental pressure variations combined with echogenicity, are key factors that they can safely play the role of drug transporters. The normal distribution curve with small dispersion of the diameter of bubbles validates the process of generating micro bubbles with low value of variation coefficient, i.e., 0.381 at 1.90%. The results also showed the feasibility of using sunflower oil as the lipid matrix with stable population of bubbles over 217 minutes for micro bubbles with an average diameter of 313.04 μm and 121 minutes for micro bubbles with an average diameter of 73.74 μm, considering bubbles with air as gaseous phase. The results indicate that the micro fluidic device designed can be used for producing micro bubbles with low variation coefficient using sunflower oil as a coating of micro bubbles. These carriers were stable for periods of time that are long enough for clinical applications even when regular air is used as the gas phase. Improved stability can be achieved when biocompatible gas with lower permeability is used.

Magneto-Hydrodynamics Based Microfluidics

PubMed Central

Qian, Shizhi; Bau, Haim H.

2009-01-01

In microfluidic devices, it is necessary to propel samples and reagents from one part of the device to another, stir fluids, and detect the presence of chemical and biological targets. Given the small size of these devices, the above tasks are far from trivial. Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) offers an elegant means to control fluid flow in microdevices without a need for mechanical components. In this paper, we review the theory of MHD for low conductivity fluids and describe various applications of MHD such as fluid pumping, flow control in fluidic networks, fluid stirring and mixing, circular liquid chromatography, thermal reactors, and microcoolers. PMID:20046890

Three-dimensional wax patterning of paper fluidic devices.

PubMed

Renault, Christophe; Koehne, Jessica; Ricco, Antonio J; Crooks, Richard M

2014-06-17

In this paper we describe a method for three-dimensional wax patterning of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs). The method is rooted in the fundamental details of wax transport in paper and provides a simple way to fabricate complex channel architectures such as hemichannels and fully enclosed channels. We show that three-dimensional μPADs can be fabricated with half as much paper by using hemichannels rather than ordinary open channels. We also provide evidence that fully enclosed channels are efficiently isolated from the exterior environment, decreasing contamination risks, simplifying the handling of the device, and slowing evaporation of solvents.

Development of a small-scale power system with meso-scale vortex combustor and thermo-electric device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimokuri, D.; Hara, T.; Matsumoto, R.

2015-10-01

A small-scale vortex combustion power system has been developed using a thermo-electric device (TED). The system consisted of a heat medium, TED, and cooling plates. A vortex combustion chamber (7 mm inner diameter and 27 mm long) was fabricated inside the heat medium (40  ×  40  ×  20 mm and 52 g of duralumin). It was found that a stable propane/air flame could be established in the narrow 7 mm channel even for the large heat input conditions of 213 ~ 355 W. With a couple of TEDs, the maximum of 8.1 W (9.8 V  ×  0.83 A) could be successfully obtained for 355 W heat input, which corresponded to the energy conversion rate of 2.4%. The results of the gas and the combustor wall temperature measurements showed that the heat transfer from the burned gas to combustor wall was significantly enhanced by the vortex flow, which contributed to the relatively high efficiency energy conversion on the vortex combustion power system.

Dielectric Elastomers for Fluidic and Biomedical Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCoul, David James

Dielectric elastomers have demonstrated tremendous potential as high-strain electromechanical transducers for a myriad of novel applications across all engineering disciplines. Because their soft, viscoelastic mechanical properties are similar to those of living tissues, dielectric elastomers have garnered a strong foothold in a plethora of biomedical and biomimetic applications. Dielectric elastomers consist of a sheet of stretched rubber, or elastomer, coated on both sides with compliant electrode materials; application of a voltage generates an electrostatic pressure that deforms the elastomer. They can function as soft generators, sensors, or actuators, and this last function is the focus of this dissertation. Many design configurations are possible, such as stacks, minimum energy structures, interpenetrating polymer networks, shape memory dielectric elastomers, and others; dielectric elastomers are already being applied to many fields of biomedicine. The first part of the original research presented in this dissertation details a PDMS microfluidic system paired with a dielectric elastomer stack actuator of anisotropically prestrained VHB(TM) 4910 (3M(TM)) and single-walled carbon nanotubes. These electroactive microfluidic devices demonstrated active increases in microchannel width when 3 and 4 kV were applied. Fluorescence microscopy also indicated an accompanying increase in channel depth with actuation. The cross-sectional area strains at 3 and 4 kV were approximately 2.9% and 7.4%, respectively. The device was then interfaced with a syringe pump, and the pressure was measured upstream. Linear pressure-flow plots were developed, which showed decreasing fluidic resistance with actuation, from 0.192 psi/(microL/min) at 0 kV, to 0.160 and 0.157 psi/(microL/min) at 3 and 4 kV, respectively. This corresponds to an ~18% drop in fluidic resistance at 4 kV. Active de-clogging was tested in situ with the device by introducing ~50 microm diameter PDMS microbeads and other smaller particulate debris into the system. After a channel blockage was confirmed, three actuation attempts successfully cleared the blockage. Further tests indicated that the device were biocompatible with HeLa cells at 3 kV. To our knowledge this is the first pairing of dielectric elastomers with microfluidics in a non-electroosmotic context. Applications may include adaptive microfilters, micro-peristaltic pumps, and reduced-complexity lab-on-a-chip devices. Dielectric elastomers can also be adapted to manipulate fluidic systems on a larger scale. The second part of the dissertation research reports a novel low-profile, biomimetic dielectric elastomer tubular actuator capable of actively controlling hydraulic flow. The tubular actuator has been established as a reliable tunable valve, pinching a secondary silicone tube completely shut in the absence of a fluidic pressure bias or voltage, offering a high degree of resistance against fluidic flow, and able to open and completely remove this resistance to flow with an applied low power actuation voltage. The system demonstrates a rise in pressure of ~3.0 kPa when the dielectric elastomer valve is in the passive, unactuated state, and there is a quadratic fall in this pressure with increasing actuation voltage, until ~0 kPa is reached at 2.4 kV. The device is reliable for at least 2,000 actuation cycles for voltages at or below 2.2 kV. Furthermore, modeling of the actuator and fluidic system yields results consistent with the observed experimental dependence of intrasystem pressure on input flow rate, actuator prestretch, and actuation voltage. To our knowledge, this is the first actuator of its type that can control fluid flow by directly actuating the walls of a tube. Potential applications may include an implantable artificial sphincter, part of a peristaltic pump, or a computerized valve for fluidic or pneumatic control. The final part of the dissertation presents a novel dielectric elastomer band with integrated rigid elements for the treatment of chronic acid reflux disorders. This dielectric elastomer ring actuator consists of a two-layer stack of prestretched VHB(TM) 4905 with SWCNT electrodes. Its transverse prestretch was maintained by selective rigidification of the VHB(TM) using a UV-curable, solution-processable polymer network. The actuator exhibited a maximum vertical (circumferential) actuation strain of 25% at 3.4 kV in an 24.5 g weighted isotonic setup. It also exhibited the required passive force of 0.25 N and showed a maximum force drop of 0.11 N at 3.32 kV during isometric tests at 4.5 cm. Modeling was performed to determine the prestretches necessary to achieve maximum strain while simultaneously exerting the force of 0.25 N, which corresponds to a required pinching pressure of 3.35 kPa. Modeling also determined the spacing between and number of rigid elements required. The theoretical model curves were adjusted to account for the passive rigid elements, as well as for the addition of margins; the resulting plots agrees well with experiment. The performance of the DE band is comparable to that of living muscle, and this is the first application of dielectric elastomer actuators in the design of a medical implant for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Related applications that could result from this technology are very low-profile linear peristaltic pumps, artificial intestines, an artificial urethra, and artificial blood vessels.

Variable recruitment fluidic artificial muscles: modeling and experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bryant, Matthew; Meller, Michael A.; Garcia, Ephrahim

2014-07-01

We investigate taking advantage of the lightweight, compliant nature of fluidic artificial muscles to create variable recruitment actuators in the form of artificial muscle bundles. Several actuator elements at different diameter scales are packaged to act as a single actuator device. The actuator elements of the bundle can be connected to the fluidic control circuit so that different groups of actuator elements, much like individual muscle fibers, can be activated independently depending on the required force output and motion. This novel actuation concept allows us to save energy by effectively impedance matching the active size of the actuators on the fly based on the instantaneous required load. This design also allows a single bundled actuator to operate in substantially different force regimes, which could be valuable for robots that need to perform a wide variety of tasks and interact safely with humans. This paper proposes, models and analyzes the actuation efficiency of this actuator concept. The analysis shows that variable recruitment operation can create an actuator that reduces throttling valve losses to operate more efficiently over a broader range of its force-strain operating space. We also present preliminary results of the design, fabrication and experimental characterization of three such bioinspired variable recruitment actuator prototypes.

Microsystem strategies for sample preparation in biological detection.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

James, Conrad D.; Galambos, Paul C.; Bennett, Dawn Jonita

2005-03-01

The objective of this LDRD was to develop microdevice strategies for dealing with samples to be examined in biological detection systems. This includes three sub-components: namely, microdevice fabrication, sample delivery to the microdevice, and sample processing within the microdevice. The first component of this work focused on utilizing Sandia's surface micromachining technology to fabricate small volume (nanoliter) fluidic systems for processing small quantities of biological samples. The next component was to develop interfaces for the surface-micromachined silicon devices. We partnered with Micronics, a commercial company, to produce fluidic manifolds for sample delivery to our silicon devices. Pressure testing was completedmore » to examine the strength of the bond between the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and the silicon chip. We are also pursuing several other methods, both in house and external, to develop polymer-based fluidic manifolds for packaging silicon-based microfluidic devices. The second component, sample processing, is divided into two sub-tasks: cell collection and cell lysis. Cell collection was achieved using dielectrophoresis, which employs AC fields to collect cells at energized microelectrodes, while rejecting non-cellular particles. Both live and dead Staph. aureus bacteria have been collected using RF frequency dielectrophoresis. Bacteria have been separated from polystyrene microspheres using frequency-shifting dielectrophoresis. Computational modeling was performed to optimize device separation performance, and to predict particle response to the dielectrophoretic traps. Cell lysis is continuing to be pursued using microactuators to mechanically disrupt cell membranes. Novel thermal actuators, which can generate larger forces than previously tested electrostatic actuators, have been incorporated with and tested with cell lysis devices. Significant cell membrane distortion has been observed, but more experiments need to be conducted to determine the effects of the observed distortion on membrane integrity and cell viability. Finally, we are using a commercial PCR DNA amplification system to determine the limits of detectable sample size, and to examine the amplification of DNA bound to microspheres. Our objective is to use microspheres as capture-and-carry chaperones for small molecules such as DNA and proteins, enabling the capture and concentration of the small molecules using dielectrophoresis. Current tests demonstrated amplification of DNA bound to micron-sized polystyrene microspheres using 20-50 microliter volume size reactions.« less

Size dependence of vortex-type spin torque oscillation in a Co2Fe0.4Mn0.6Si Heusler alloy disk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seki, T.; Kubota, T.; Yamamoto, T.; Takanashi, K.

2018-02-01

This paper reports the systematic investigation of vortex-type spin torque oscillation in circular disks of highly spin-polarized Co2Fe0.4Mn0.6Si (CFMS) Heusler alloys. We fabricated the current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance (CPP-GMR) devices with various disk diameters (D) using the layer stack of CFMS/Ag3Mg/CFMS. The gyrotropic motion of the vortex core was successfully excited for the CFMS circular disks with 0.2 µm  ⩽  D  ⩽  0.3 µm. The CPP-GMR device with D  =  0.2 µm exhibited the Q factor of more than 5000 and the large output power of 0.4 nW owing to the high coherency of vortex dynamics and the high spin-polarization of CFMS. However, the Q factor was remarkably decreased as D was reduced from 0.2 µm to 0.14 µm. The comparison with the calculated resonance frequencies suggested that this degradation of the Q factor was due to the transition of the oscillation mode from the vortex mode to other modes such as the low-coherent out-of-plane precession mode. The present experimental results also suggest that there exists an adequate disk size for the enhanced Q factor of the vortex-type spin torque oscillation.

Microgravity Boiling Enhancement Using Vibration-Based Fluidic Technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Marc K.; Glezer, Ari; Heffington, Samuel N.

2002-11-01

Thermal management is an important subsystem in many devices and technologies used in a microgravity environment. The increased power requirements of new Space technologies and missions mean that the capacity and efficiency of thermal management systems must be improved. The current work addresses this need through the investigation and development of a direct liquid immersion heat transfer cell for microgravity applications. The device is based on boiling heat transfer enhanced by two fluidic technologies developed at Georgia Tech. The first of these fluidic technologies, called vibration-induced bubble ejection, is shown in Fig. 1. Here, an air bubble in water is held against a vibrating diaphragm by buoyancy. The vibrations at 440 Hz induce violent oscillations of the air/water interface that can result in small bubbles being ejected from the larger air bubble (Fig. 1a) and, simultaneously, the collapse of the air/water interface against the solid surface (Fig. 1b). Both effects would be useful during a heat transfer process. Bubble ejection would force vapor bubbles back into the cooler liquid so that they can condense. Interfacial collapse would tend to keep the hot surface wet thereby increasing liquid evaporation and heat transfer to the bulk liquid. Figure 2 shows the effect of vibrating the solid surface at 7.6 kHz. Here, small-scale capillary waves appear on the surface of the bubble near the attachment point on the solid surface (the grainy region). The vibration produces a net force on the bubble that pushes it away from the solid surface. As a result, the bubble detaches from the solid and is propelled into the bulk liquid. This force works against buoyancy and so it would be even more effective in a microgravity environment. The benefit of the force in a boiling process would be to push vapor bubbles off the solid surface, thus helping to keep the solid surface wet and increasing the heat transfer. The second fluidic technology to be employed in this work is a synthetic jet, shown schematically in Fig. 3. The jet is produced using a small, sealed cavity with a sharp-edged orifice on one side and a vibrating diaphragm on the opposite side. The jet is formed when fluid is alternately sucked into and then expelled from the cavity by the motion of the diaphragm. This alternating motion means that there is no net mass addition to the system. Thus, there is no need for input piping or complex fluidic packaging.

Experimental study of wing leading-edge devices for improved maneuver performance of a supercritical maneuvering fighter configuration. [Langley 7- by 10-ft high speed tunnel tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mann, M. J.; Huffman, J. K.; Fox, C. H., Jr.; Campbell, R. L.

1983-01-01

Wind tunnel tests were conducted to examine the use of wing leading-edge devices for improved subsonic and transonic maneuver performance. These devices were tested on a fighter configuration which utilized supercritical-wing technology. The configuration had a leading-edge sweep of 45 deg and an aspect ratio of 3.28. The tests were conducted at Mach numbers of 0.60 and 0.85 with angles of attack from -0.5 deg to 22 deg. At both Mach numbers, sharp leading-edge flaps produced vortices which greatly altered the flow pattern on the wing and resulted in substantial reductions in drag at high lift. Underwing or pylon-type vortex generators also reduced drag at high lift. The vortex generators worked better at a Mach number of 0.60. The vortex generators gave the best overall results with zero toe-in angle and when mounted on either the outboard part of the wing or at both an outboard location and halfway out the semispan. Both the flaps and the vortex generators had a minor effect on the pitching moment. Fluorescent minitufts were found to be useful for flow visualization at transonic maneuver conditions.

Application of laser velocimetry to aircraft wake-vortex measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ciffone, D. L.; Orloff, K. L.

1977-01-01

The theory and use of a laser velocimeter that makes simultaneous measurements of vertical and longitudinal velocities while rapidly scanning a flow field laterally are described, and its direct application to trailing wake-vortex research is discussed. Pertinent measurements of aircraft wake-vortex velocity distributions obtained in a wind tunnel and water towing tank are presented. The utility of the velocimeter to quantitatively assess differences in wake velocity distributions due to wake dissipating devices and span loading changes on the wake-generating model is also demonstrated.

Investigation of inner aerodynamics of the four-vortex furnace model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anufriev, I. S.; Shadrin, E. Yu; Sharypov, O. V.

2018-03-01

The internal aerodynamics of a perspective vortex furnace chamber of a pulverized coal boiler with a diagonal arrangement of burners is studied using the non-contact optical method of flow diagnostics. The results of laser Doppler anemometry, characterizing the complex spatial structure of a swirling flow in an isothermal laboratory model of the furnace device, are presented. The velocity distribution in the vortex chamber volume is obtained, and the flow structure in the form of four conjugate closed vortices with curved axes is visualized.

Magnetic Radial Vortex Stabilization and Efficient Manipulation Driven by the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya Interaction and Spin-Transfer Torque.

PubMed

Siracusano, G; Tomasello, R; Giordano, A; Puliafito, V; Azzerboni, B; Ozatay, O; Carpentieri, M; Finocchio, G

2016-08-19

Solitons are very promising for the design of the next generation of ultralow power devices for storage and computation. The key ingredient to achieving this goal is the fundamental understanding of their stabilization and manipulation. Here, we show how the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya Interaction (IDMI) is able to lift the energy degeneracy of a magnetic vortex state by stabilizing a topological soliton with radial chirality, hereafter called radial vortex. It has a noninteger Skyrmion number S (0.5<|S|<1) due to both the vortex core polarity and the magnetization tilting induced by the IDMI boundary conditions. Micromagnetic simulations predict that a magnetoresistive memory based on the radial vortex state in both free and polarizer layers can be efficiently switched by a threshold current density smaller than 10^{6}  A/cm^{2}. The switching processes occur via the nucleation of topologically connected vortices and vortex-antivortex pairs, followed by spin-wave emissions due to vortex-antivortex annihilations.

Recent developments in microfluidic large scale integration.

PubMed

Araci, Ismail Emre; Brisk, Philip

2014-02-01

In 2002, Thorsen et al. integrated thousands of micromechanical valves on a single microfluidic chip and demonstrated that the control of the fluidic networks can be simplified through multiplexors [1]. This enabled realization of highly parallel and automated fluidic processes with substantial sample economy advantage. Moreover, the fabrication of these devices by multilayer soft lithography was easy and reliable hence contributed to the power of the technology; microfluidic large scale integration (mLSI). Since then, mLSI has found use in wide variety of applications in biology and chemistry. In the meantime, efforts to improve the technology have been ongoing. These efforts mostly focus on; novel materials, components, micromechanical valve actuation methods, and chip architectures for mLSI. In this review, these technological advances are discussed and, recent examples of the mLSI applications are summarized. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of Vortex Flaps and Other Flow Control Devices on Generic High-Speed Civil Transport Planforms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kjerstad, Kevin J.; Campbell, Bryan A.; Gile, Brenda E.; Kemmerly, Guy T.

1999-01-01

A parametric cranked delta planform study has been conducted in the Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel with the following objectives: (1) to evaluate the vortex flap design methodology for cranked delta wings, (2) to determine the influence of leading-edge sweep and the outboard wing on vortex flap effectiveness, (3) to evaluate novel flow control concepts, and (4) to validate unstructured grid Euler computer code predictions with modeled vortex and trailing-edge flaps. Two families of cranked delta planforms were investigated. One family had constant aspect ratio, while the other had a constant nondimensional semispan location of the leading-edge break. The inboard leading-edge sweep of the planforms was varied between 68 deg., 71 deg., and 74 deg., while outboard leading-edge sweep was varied between 48 deg. and 61 deg. Vortex flaps for the different planforms were designed by an analytical vortex flap design method. The results indicate that the effectiveness of the vortex flaps was only slightly influenced by the variations in the parametric planforms. The unstructured grid Euler computer code was successfully used to model the configurations with vortex flaps. The vortex trap concept was successfully demonstrated.

Subsonic flow investigations on a cranked wing designed for high maneuverability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, D. M.

1986-01-01

The characteristic pitching moment nonlinearity of cranked wings limits their usable lift coefficient well below C sub L max. The potential of several aerodynamic devices, viz., fences, pylon vortex generators (PVG), mid-span strakes and cavity flaps, in delaying the pitch up onset on a 70/50 deg cranked wing was explored in low speed tunnel tests. Upper surface pressure measurements and low visualizations were conducted on a semi-span wing model to observe the vortex flow development with increasing angle of attack, and then to assess the effectiveness of the devices in controlling the collapse of vortex lift over the wing panel outboard of the crank. Force tests on a full span wing and body model were also conducted to assess the fence and PVG in improving the usable C sub L.

Highly Efficient Broadband Multiplexed Millimeter-Wave Vortices from Metasurface-Enabled Transmit-Arrays of Subwavelength Thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Zhi Hao; Kang, Lei; Hong, Wei; Werner, Douglas H.

2018-06-01

Structured electromagnetic waves carrying nonvanishing orbital angular momentum (OAM) have recently opened up alternative frontiers in the field of wave physics, holding great promise for a wide range of potential applications. By leveraging geometric phases originating from spin-to-orbital interactions, spin-dependent wave phenomena can be created, leading to a more versatile realm of dispersionless wave-front manipulation. However, the currently available transmissive vortex-beam generators suffer from a narrow bandwidth, require an optically thick device profile, or are limited by a low efficiency, severely restricting their integration into systems and/or widespread usage for practical applications. We present the design methodology and a physical analysis and complete experimental characterization of a class of millimeter-wave Pancharatnam-Berry transmit-arrays with a thickness of about λ0/3 , which enables highly efficient generation and separation of spin-controlled vortex beams over a broad bandwidth, achieving an unprecedented peak efficiency of 88% for a single vortex beam and 71% for dual vortex beams. The proposed transmit-array, which is capable of providing two-dimensional OAM multiplexing and demultiplexing without normal-mode background interference, overcomes all previous roadblocks and paves the way for high-efficiency electromagnetic vortex-beam generation as well as other wave-front-shaping devices from microwave frequencies to optical wavelengths.

Micro-Fluidic Device for Drug Delivery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beebe, David J. (Inventor); Eddington, David T. (Inventor); MacDonald, Michael J. (Inventor); Mensing, Glennys A. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A microfluidic device is provided for delivering a drug to an individual. The microfluidic device includes a body that defines a reservoir for receiving the drug therein. A valve interconnects the reservoir to an output needle that is insertable into the skin of an individual. A pressure source urges the drug from the reservoir toward the needle. The valve is movable between a closed position preventing the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle and an open position allowing for the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle in response to a predetermined condition in the physiological fluids of the individual.

3D-printed microfluidic automation.

PubMed

Au, Anthony K; Bhattacharjee, Nirveek; Horowitz, Lisa F; Chang, Tim C; Folch, Albert

2015-04-21

Microfluidic automation - the automated routing, dispensing, mixing, and/or separation of fluids through microchannels - generally remains a slowly-spreading technology because device fabrication requires sophisticated facilities and the technology's use demands expert operators. Integrating microfluidic automation in devices has involved specialized multi-layering and bonding approaches. Stereolithography is an assembly-free, 3D-printing technique that is emerging as an efficient alternative for rapid prototyping of biomedical devices. Here we describe fluidic valves and pumps that can be stereolithographically printed in optically-clear, biocompatible plastic and integrated within microfluidic devices at low cost. User-friendly fluid automation devices can be printed and used by non-engineers as replacement for costly robotic pipettors or tedious manual pipetting. Engineers can manipulate the designs as digital modules into new devices of expanded functionality. Printing these devices only requires the digital file and electronic access to a printer.

3D printed microfluidic circuitry via multijet-based additive manufacturing†

PubMed Central

Sochol, R. D.; Sweet, E.; Glick, C. C.; Venkatesh, S.; Avetisyan, A.; Ekman, K. F.; Raulinaitis, A.; Tsai, A.; Wienkers, A.; Korner, K.; Hanson, K.; Long, A.; Hightower, B. J.; Slatton, G.; Burnett, D. C.; Massey, T. L.; Iwai, K.; Lee, L. P.; Pister, K. S. J.; Lin, L.

2016-01-01

The miniaturization of integrated fluidic processors affords extensive benefits for chemical and biological fields, yet traditional, monolithic methods of microfabrication present numerous obstacles for the scaling of fluidic operators. Recently, researchers have investigated the use of additive manufacturing or “three-dimensional (3D) printing” technologies – predominantly stereolithography – as a promising alternative for the construction of submillimeter-scale fluidic components. One challenge, however, is that current stereolithography methods lack the ability to simultaneously print sacrificial support materials, which limits the geometric versatility of such approaches. In this work, we investigate the use of multijet modelling (alternatively, polyjet printing) – a layer-by-layer, multi-material inkjetting process – for 3D printing geometrically complex, yet functionally advantageous fluidic components comprised of both static and dynamic physical elements. We examine a fundamental class of 3D printed microfluidic operators, including fluidic capacitors, fluidic diodes, and fluidic transistors. In addition, we evaluate the potential to advance on-chip automation of integrated fluidic systems via geometric modification of component parameters. Theoretical and experimental results for 3D fluidic capacitors demonstrated that transitioning from planar to non-planar diaphragm architectures improved component performance. Flow rectification experiments for 3D printed fluidic diodes revealed a diodicity of 80.6 ± 1.8. Geometry-based gain enhancement for 3D printed fluidic transistors yielded pressure gain of 3.01 ± 0.78. Consistent with additional additive manufacturing methodologies, the use of digitally-transferrable 3D models of fluidic components combined with commercially-available 3D printers could extend the fluidic routing capabilities presented here to researchers in fields beyond the core engineering community. PMID:26725379

Vortex-Core Reversal Dynamics: Towards Vortex Random Access Memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sang-Koog

2011-03-01

An energy-efficient, ultrahigh-density, ultrafast, and nonvolatile solid-state universal memory is a long-held dream in the field of information-storage technology. The magnetic random access memory (MRAM) along with a spin-transfer-torque switching mechanism is a strong candidate-means of realizing that dream, given its nonvolatility, infinite endurance, and fast random access. Magnetic vortices in patterned soft magnetic dots promise ground-breaking applications in information-storage devices, owing to the very stable twofold ground states of either their upward or downward core magnetization orientation and plausible core switching by in-plane alternating magnetic fields or spin-polarized currents. However, two technologically most important but very challenging issues --- low-power recording and reliable selection of each memory cell with already existing cross-point architectures --- have not yet been resolved for the basic operations in information storage, that is, writing (recording) and readout. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a magnetic vortex random access memory (VRAM) in the basic cross-point architecture. This unique VRAM offers reliable cell selection and low-power-consumption control of switching of out-of-plane core magnetizations using specially designed rotating magnetic fields generated by two orthogonal and unipolar Gaussian-pulse currents along with optimized pulse width and time delay. Our achievement of a new device based on a new material, that is, a medium composed of patterned vortex-state disks, together with the new physics on ultrafast vortex-core switching dynamics, can stimulate further fruitful research on MRAMs that are based on vortex-state dot arrays.

Passive, Collapsible Contingency Urinal for Human Space Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenson, Ryan

2015-01-01

Fluid transport systems for spacecraft face acute challenges because of the persistently unfamiliar and unforgiving low-gravity environment. IRPI, LLC, has developed a contingency wastewater collection and processing device that provides passive liquid collation, containment, bubble separation, and droplet coalescence functions. The lightweight, low-volume, low-cost, and potentially disposable device may be used for subsequent sampling, metering, storage, disposal, and/or reuse. The approach includes a fractal wetting design that incorporates smart capillary fluidics. This work could have a broad impact on capillary-based fluid management on spacecraft and on Earth.

Target-responsive DNA hydrogel mediated "stop-flow" microfluidic paper-based analytic device for rapid, portable and visual detection of multiple targets.

PubMed

Wei, Xiaofeng; Tian, Tian; Jia, Shasha; Zhu, Zhi; Ma, Yanli; Sun, Jianjun; Lin, Zhenyu; Yang, Chaoyong James

2015-04-21

A versatile point-of-care assay platform was developed for simultaneous detection of multiple targets based on a microfluidic paper-based analytic device (μPAD) using a target-responsive hydrogel to mediate fluidic flow and signal readout. An aptamer-cross-linked hydrogel was used as a target-responsive flow regulator in the μPAD. In the absence of a target, the hydrogel is formed in the flow channel, stopping the flow in the μPAD and preventing the colored indicator from traveling to the final observation spot, thus yielding a "signal off" readout. In contrast, in the presence of a target, no hydrogel is formed because of the preferential interaction of target and aptamer. This allows free fluidic flow in the μPAD, carrying the indicator to the observation spot and producing a "signal on" readout. The device is inexpensive to fabricate, easy to use, and disposable after detection. Testing results can be obtained within 6 min by the naked eye via a simple loading operation without the need for any auxiliary equipment. Multiple targets, including cocaine, adenosine, and Pb(2+), can be detected simultaneously, even in complex biological matrices such as urine. The reported method offers simple, low cost, rapid, user-friendly, point-of-care testing, which will be useful in many applications.

Polymer microfluidic device replacing fluids using only capillary force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Kwang Hyo; Lee, Dae Sik; Yang, Haesik; Kim, Sung Jin; Pyo, Hyun Bong

2005-02-01

A novel polymer microfluidic device for self-wash using only capillary force is presented. A liquid filled in a reaction chamber is replaced by another liquid with no external actuation. All the fluidic actuations in the device is pre-programmed about time and sequence, and accomplished by capillary force naturally. Careful design is necessary for exact actions. The fluidic conduits were designed by the newly derived theoretical equations about the capillary stop pressure and flow time. Simulations using CFD-ACE+ were conducted to check the validity of theory and the performance of the chip. These analytic results were consistent with experimental ones. The chip was made of polymers for the purpose of single use and low price. It was fabricated by sealing the hot-embossed PMMA substrate with a PET film. For simpler fabrication, the chip was of a single height. The embossing master was produced from a nickel-electroplating on a SU8-patterned Ni-plate followed by CMP. The contact angles of liquids on substrates were manipulated through the mixing of surfactants, and the temporal variations were monitored for a more exact design. The real actuation steps in experiment revealed the stable performance of selfwash, and coincided well with the designed ones. The presented microfluidic method can be applicable to other LOCs of special purposes through simple modification. For example, array or serial types would be possible for multiple selfwashes.

Fully chip-embedded automation of a multi-step lab-on-a-chip process using a modularized timer circuit.

PubMed

Kang, Junsu; Lee, Donghyeon; Heo, Young Jin; Chung, Wan Kyun

2017-11-07

For highly-integrated microfluidic systems, an actuation system is necessary to control the flow; however, the bulk of actuation devices including pumps or valves has impeded the broad application of integrated microfluidic systems. Here, we suggest a microfluidic process control method based on built-in microfluidic circuits. The circuit is composed of a fluidic timer circuit and a pneumatic logic circuit. The fluidic timer circuit is a serial connection of modularized timer units, which sequentially pass high pressure to the pneumatic logic circuit. The pneumatic logic circuit is a NOR gate array designed to control the liquid-controlling process. By using the timer circuit as a built-in signal generator, multi-step processes could be done totally inside the microchip without any external controller. The timer circuit uses only two valves per unit, and the number of process steps can be extended without limitation by adding timer units. As a demonstration, an automation chip has been designed for a six-step droplet treatment, which entails 1) loading, 2) separation, 3) reagent injection, 4) incubation, 5) clearing and 6) unloading. Each process was successfully performed for a pre-defined step-time without any external control device.

The flip-flop nozzle extended to supersonic flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raman, Ganesh; Hailye, Michael; Rice, Edward J.

1992-01-01

An experiment studying a fluidically oscillated rectangular jet flow was conducted. The Mach number was varied over a range from low subsonic to supersonic. Unsteady velocity and pressure measurements were made using hot wires and piezoresistive pressure transducers. In addition smoke flow visualization using high speed photography was used to document the oscillation of the jet. For the subsonic flip-flop jet it was found that the apparent time-mean widening of the jet was not accompanied by an increase in mass flux. It was found that it is possible to extend the operation of these devices to supersonic flows. Most of the measurements were made for a fixed nozzle geometry for which the oscillations ceased at a fully expanded Mach number of 1.58. By varying the nozzle geometry this limitation was overcome and operation was extended to Mach 1.8. The streamwise velocity perturbation levels produced by this device were much higher than the perturbation levels that could be produced using conventional excitation sources such as acoustic drivers. In view of this ability to produce high amplitudes, the potential for using small scale fluidically oscillated jet as an unsteady excitation source for the control of shear flows in full scale practical applications seems promising.

The flip flop nozzle extended to supersonic flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raman, Ganesh; Hailye, Michael; Rice, Edward J.

1992-01-01

An experiment studying a fluidically oscillated rectangular jet flow was conducted. The Mach number was varied over a range from low subsonic to supersonic. Unsteady velocity and pressure measurements were made using hot wires and piezoresistive pressure transducers. In addition smoke flow visualization using high speed photography was used to document the oscillation of the jet. For the subsonic flip-flop jet it was found that the apparent time-mean widening of the jet was not accompanied by an increase in mass flux. It was found that it is possible to extend the operation of these devices to supersonic flows. Most of the measurements were made for a fixed nozzle geometry for which the oscillations ceased at a fully expanded Mach number of 1.58. By varying the nozzle geometry this limitation was overcome and operation was extended to Mach 1.8. The streamwise velocity perturbation levels produced by this device were much higher than the perturbation levels that could be produced using conventional excitation sources such as acoustic drivers. In view of this ability to produce high amplitudes, the potential for using small scale fluidically oscillated jet as an unsteady excitation source for the control of shear flows in full scale practical applications seems promising.

Flow Structures and Interactions of a Fail-Safe Actuator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Wasif; Elimelech, Yoseph; Amitay, Michael

2010-11-01

Vortex generators are passive devices that are commonly used in many aerodynamic applications. In their basic concept, they enhance mixing, reduce or mitigate flow separation; however, they cause drag penalties at off design conditions. Micro vanes implement the same basic idea of vortex generators but their physical dimensions are much smaller. To achieve the same effect on the baseline flow field, micro vanes are combined with an active flow control device, so their net effect is comparable to that of vortex generators when the active device is energized. As a result of their small size, micro vanes have significantly less drag penalty at off design conditions. This concept of "dual-action" is the reason why such actuation is commonly called hybrid or fail-safe actuation. The present study explores experimentally the flow interaction of a synthetic-jet with a micro vane in a zero pressure gradient flow over a flat plate. Using the stereo particle image velocimetry technique a parametric study was conducted, where the effects of the micro vane shape, height and its angle with respect to the flow were examined, at several blowing ratios and synthetic-jet configurations.

Transport Phenomena of Water in Molecular Fluidic Channels

PubMed Central

Vo, Truong Quoc; Kim, BoHung

2016-01-01

In molecular-level fluidic transport, where the discrete characteristics of a molecular system are not negligible (in contrast to a continuum description), the response of the molecular water system might still be similar to the continuum description if the time and ensemble averages satisfy the ergodic hypothesis and the scale of the average is enough to recover the classical thermodynamic properties. However, even in such cases, the continuum description breaks down on the material interfaces. In short, molecular-level liquid flows exhibit substantially different physics from classical fluid transport theories because of (i) the interface/surface force field, (ii) thermal/velocity slip, (iii) the discreteness of fluid molecules at the interface and (iv) local viscosity. Therefore, in this study, we present the result of our investigations using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with continuum-based energy equations and check the validity and limitations of the continuum hypothesis. Our study shows that when the continuum description is subjected to the proper treatment of the interface effects via modified boundary conditions, the so-called continuum-based modified-analytical solutions, they can adequately predict nanoscale fluid transport phenomena. The findings in this work have broad effects in overcoming current limitations in modeling/predicting the fluid behaviors of molecular fluidic devices. PMID:27650138

Proton beam writing of long, arbitrary structures for micro/nano photonics and fluidics applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Udalagama, Chammika; Teo, E. J.; Chan, S. F.; Kumar, V. S.; Bettiol, A. A.; Watt, F.

2011-10-01

The last decade has seen proton beam writing maturing into a versatile lithographic technique able to produce sub-100 nm, high aspect ratio structures with smooth side walls. However, many applications in the fields of photonics and fluidics require the fabrication of structures with high spatial resolution that extends over several centimetres. This cannot be achieved by purely magnetic or electrostatic beam scanning due to the large off-axis beam aberrations in high demagnification systems. As a result, this has limited us to producing long straight structures using a combination of beam and stage scanning. In this work we have: (1) developed an algorithm to include any arbitrary pattern into the writing process by using a more versatile combination of beam and stage scanning while (2) incorporating the use of the ubiquitous AutoCAD DXF (drawing exchange format) into the design process. We demonstrate the capability of this approach in fabricating structures such as Y-splitters, Mach-Zehnder modulators and microfluidic channels that are over several centimetres in length, in polymer. We also present optimisation of such parameters as scanning speed and scanning loops to improve on the surface roughness of the structures. This work opens up new possibilities of using CAD software in PBW for microphotonics and fluidics device fabrication.

The numerical simulation of flow field characteristics for single vortex column in different shapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shangchang, Yu; Hanxiao, Liu; Wenhua, Li; Ying, Guo

2017-11-01

The coagulation technology of turbulence can improve the PM2.5 removal efficiency of ESP effectively, which is a hot technology researched by the scholars and manufacture. The turbulence produced by vortex column is the main power supply in the turbulence coagulation device, the velocity distribution, turbulence intensity, turbulence viscosity and pressure loss of single vortex column in different shapes and sizes were calculated in this paper. The turbulence produced by angle-steel had a better velocity and character than cylindrical vortex, and if the size of angle-steel and cylindrical vortex was bigge, the turbulence effect of the flow field would become better, but the pressure loss of different shapes would increase. We need to ensure the turbulence effect as well as minimize unnecessary pressure loss in practical applications.

Reconfigurable superconducting vortex pinning potential for magnetic disks in hybrid structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marchiori, Estefani; Curran, Peter J.; Kim, Jangyong; Satchell, Nathan; Burnell, Gavin; Bending, Simon J.

2017-03-01

High resolution scanning Hall probe microscopy has been used to directly visualise the superconducting vortex behavior in hybrid structures consisting of a square array of micrometer-sized Py ferromagnetic disks covered by a superconducting Nb thin film. At remanence the disks exist in almost fully flux-closed magnetic vortex states, but the observed cloverleaf-like stray fields indicate the presence of weak in-plane anisotropy. Micromagnetic simulations suggest that the most likely origin is an unintentional shape anisotropy. We have studied the pinning of added free superconducting vortices as a function of the magnetisation state of the disks, and identified a range of different phenomena arising from competing energy contributions. We have also observed clear differences in the pinning landscape when the superconductor and the ferromagnet are electron ically coupled or insulated by a thin dielectric layer, with an indication of non-trivial vortex-vortex interactions. We demonstrate a complete reconfiguration of the vortex pinning potential when the magnetisation of the disks evolves from the vortex-like state to an onion-like one under an in-plane magnetic field. Our results are in good qualitative agreement with theoretical predictions and could form the basis of novel superconducting devices based on reconfigurable vortex pinning sites.

Reconfigurable superconducting vortex pinning potential for magnetic disks in hybrid structures.

PubMed

Marchiori, Estefani; Curran, Peter J; Kim, Jangyong; Satchell, Nathan; Burnell, Gavin; Bending, Simon J

2017-03-24

High resolution scanning Hall probe microscopy has been used to directly visualise the superconducting vortex behavior in hybrid structures consisting of a square array of micrometer-sized Py ferromagnetic disks covered by a superconducting Nb thin film. At remanence the disks exist in almost fully flux-closed magnetic vortex states, but the observed cloverleaf-like stray fields indicate the presence of weak in-plane anisotropy. Micromagnetic simulations suggest that the most likely origin is an unintentional shape anisotropy. We have studied the pinning of added free superconducting vortices as a function of the magnetisation state of the disks, and identified a range of different phenomena arising from competing energy contributions. We have also observed clear differences in the pinning landscape when the superconductor and the ferromagnet are electron ically coupled or insulated by a thin dielectric layer, with an indication of non-trivial vortex-vortex interactions. We demonstrate a complete reconfiguration of the vortex pinning potential when the magnetisation of the disks evolves from the vortex-like state to an onion-like one under an in-plane magnetic field. Our results are in good qualitative agreement with theoretical predictions and could form the basis of novel superconducting devices based on reconfigurable vortex pinning sites.

Rapid and inexpensive fabrication of polymeric microfluidic devices via toner transfer masking

PubMed Central

Easley, Christopher J.; Benninger, Richard K. P.; Shaver, Jesse H.; Head, W. Steven; Piston, David W.

2009-01-01

Summary An alternative fabrication method is presented for production of masters for single- or multilayer polymeric microfluidic devices in a standard laboratory environment, precluding the need for a cleanroom. This toner transfer masking (TTM) method utilizes an office laser printer to generate a toner pattern which is thermally transferred to a metal master to serve as a mask for etching. With master fabrication times as little as one hour (depending on channel depth) using commercially-available equipment and supplies, this approach should make microfluidic technology more widely accessible to the non-expert—even the non-scientist. The cost of fabrication consumables was estimated to be < $1 per master, over an order of magnitude decrease in consumable costs compared to standard photolithography. In addition, the use of chemical etching allows accurate control over the height of raised features (i.e., channel depths), allowing the flexibility to fabricate multiple depths on a single master with little added time. Resultant devices are shown capable of pneumatic valving, three-dimensional channel formation (using layer-connecting vias), droplet fluidics, and cell imaging and staining. The multiple-depth capabilities of the method are proven useful for cellular analysis by fabrication of handheld, disposable devices used for trapping and imaging of live murine pancreatic islets. The precise fluidic control provided by the microfluidic platform allows subsequent fixing and staining of these cells without significant movement, thus spatial correlation of imaging and staining is attainable—even with rare alpha cells that constitute only ∼10% of the islet cells. PMID:19350094

Biogrid--a microfluidic device for large-scale enzyme-free dissociation of stem cell aggregates.

PubMed

Wallman, Lars; Åkesson, Elisabet; Ceric, Dario; Andersson, Per Henrik; Day, Kelly; Hovatta, Outi; Falci, Scott; Laurell, Thomas; Sundström, Erik

2011-10-07

Culturing stem cells as free-floating aggregates in suspension facilitates large-scale production of cells in closed systems, for clinical use. To comply with GMP standards, the use of substances such as proteolytic enzymes should be avoided. Instead of enzymatic dissociation, the growing cell aggregates may be mechanically cut at passage, but available methods are not compatible with large-scale cell production and hence translation into the clinic becomes a severe bottle-neck. We have developed the Biogrid device, which consists of an array of micrometerscale knife edges, micro-fabricated in silicon, and a manifold in which the microgrid is placed across the central fluid channel. By connecting one side of the Biogrid to a syringe or a pump and the other side to the cell culture, the culture medium with suspended cell aggregates can be aspirated, forcing the aggregates through the microgrid, and ejected back to the cell culture container. Large aggregates are thereby dissociated into smaller fragments while small aggregates pass through the microgrid unaffected. As proof-of-concept, we demonstrate that the Biogrid device can be successfully used for repeated passage of human neural stem/progenitor cells cultured as so-called neurospheres, as well as for passage of suspension cultures of human embryonic stem cells. We also show that human neural stem/progenitor cells tolerate transient pressure changes far exceeding those that will occur in a fluidic system incorporating the Biogrid microgrids. Thus, by using the Biogrid device it is possible to mechanically passage large quantities of cells in suspension cultures in closed fluidic systems, without the use of proteolytic enzymes.

Subsonic balance and pressure investigation of a 60 deg delta wing with leading edge devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tingas, S. A.; Rao, D. M.

1982-01-01

Low supersonic wave drag makes the thin highly swept delta wing the logical choice for use on aircraft designed for supersonic cruise. However, the high-lift maneuver capability of the aircraft is limited by severe induced-drag penalties attributed to loss of potential flow leading-edge suction. This drag increase may be alleviated through leading-edge flow control to recover lost aerodynamic thrust through either retention of attached leading-edge flow to higher angles of attack or exploitation of the increased suction potential of separation-induced vortex flow. A low-speed wind-tunnel investigation was undertaken to examine the high-lift devices such as fences, chordwise slots, pylon vortex generators, leading-edge vortex flaps, and sharp leading-edge extensions. The devices were tested individually and in combinations in an attempt to improve high-alpha drag performance with a minimum of low-alpha drag penalty. This report presents an analysis of the force, moment, and static pressure data obtained in angles of attack up to 23 deg, at Mach and Reynolds numbers of 0.16 and 3.85 x 10 to the 6th power per meter, respectively. The results indicate that all the devices produced drag and longitudinal/lateral stability improvements at high lift with, in most cases, minor drag penalties at low angles of attack.

Sample handling in surface sensitive chemical and biological sensing: a practical review of basic fluidics and analyte transport.

PubMed

Orgovan, Norbert; Patko, Daniel; Hos, Csaba; Kurunczi, Sándor; Szabó, Bálint; Ramsden, Jeremy J; Horvath, Robert

2014-09-01

This paper gives an overview of the advantages and associated caveats of the most common sample handling methods in surface-sensitive chemical and biological sensing. We summarize the basic theoretical and practical considerations one faces when designing and assembling the fluidic part of the sensor devices. The influence of analyte size, the use of closed and flow-through cuvettes, the importance of flow rate, tubing length and diameter, bubble traps, pressure-driven pumping, cuvette dead volumes, and sample injection systems are all discussed. Typical application areas of particular arrangements are also highlighted, such as the monitoring of cellular adhesion, biomolecule adsorption-desorption and ligand-receptor affinity binding. Our work is a practical review in the sense that for every sample handling arrangement considered we present our own experimental data and critically review our experience with the given arrangement. In the experimental part we focus on sample handling in optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy (OWLS) measurements, but the present study is equally applicable for other biosensing technologies in which an analyte in solution is captured at a surface and its presence is monitored. Explicit attention is given to features that are expected to play an increasingly decisive role in determining the reliability of (bio)chemical sensing measurements, such as analyte transport to the sensor surface; the distorting influence of dead volumes in the fluidic system; and the appropriate sample handling of cell suspensions (e.g. their quasi-simultaneous deposition). At the appropriate places, biological aspects closely related to fluidics (e.g. cellular mechanotransduction, competitive adsorption, blood flow in veins) are also discussed, particularly with regard to their models used in biosensing. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

VERIFICATION OF HIGH-RATE SEPARATION DEVICES UNDER THE WET-WEATHER FLOW TECHNOLOGIES PILOT - ETV PROGRAM

EPA Science Inventory

This paper presents performance verification data on two types of high-rate separation devices utilized for solids removal: Vortex separation devices (a class of physical treatment technologies that use cylindrical chambers to create centrifugal forces that separate settleable so...

3D-Printed Microfluidic Automation

PubMed Central

Au, Anthony K.; Bhattacharjee, Nirveek; Horowitz, Lisa F.; Chang, Tim C.; Folch, Albert

2015-01-01

Microfluidic automation – the automated routing, dispensing, mixing, and/or separation of fluids through microchannels – generally remains a slowly-spreading technology because device fabrication requires sophisticated facilities and the technology’s use demands expert operators. Integrating microfluidic automation in devices has involved specialized multi-layering and bonding approaches. Stereolithography is an assembly-free, 3D-printing technique that is emerging as an efficient alternative for rapid prototyping of biomedical devices. Here we describe fluidic valves and pumps that can be stereolithographically printed in optically-clear, biocompatible plastic and integrated within microfluidic devices at low cost. User-friendly fluid automation devices can be printed and used by non-engineers as replacement for costly robotic pipettors or tedious manual pipetting. Engineers can manipulate the designs as digital modules into new devices of expanded functionality. Printing these devices only requires the digital file and electronic access to a printer. PMID:25738695

Computational study of the vortex path variation with the VG height

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández-Gámiz, U.; Zamorano, G.; Zulueta, E.

2014-06-01

An extensive range of conventional, vane-type, passive vortex generators (VGs) are in use for successful applications of flow separation control. In most cases, the VG height is designed with the same thickness as the local boundary layer at the VG position. However, in some applications, these conventional VGs may produce excess residual drag. The so-called low-profile VGs can reduce the parasitic drag associated to this kind of passive control devices. As suggested by many authors, low-profile VGs can provide enough momentum transfer over a region several times their own height for effective flow-separation control with much lower drag. The main objective of this work is to study the variation of the path and the development of the primary vortex generated by a rectangular VG mounted on a flat plate with five different device heights h = δ, h1 = 0.8δ, h2 = 0.6δ, h3 = 0.4δ and h4 = 0.25m, where 5 is the local boundary layer thickness. For this purpose, computational simulations have been carried out at Reynolds number Re = 1350 based on the height of the conventional VG h = 0.25m with the angle of attack of the vane to the oncoming flow β = 18.5°. The results show that the VG scaling significantly affects the vortex trajectory and the peak vorticity generated by the primary vortex.

Single particle train ordering in microchannel based on inertial and vortex effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Liang-Liang; Yan, Qing; Zhe, Jiang; Zhao, Liang

2018-06-01

A new microfluidic device for microparticle focusing and ordering in a single particle train is reported. The particle focusing and ordering are based on inertial and vortex effects in a microchannel with a series of suddenly contracted and widely expanded structures on one side. In the suddenly contracted regions, particles located near the contracted structures are subjected to a strong wall-effect lift force and momentum-change-induced inertial force due to the highly curved trajectory, migrating to the straight wall. A horizontal vortex is generated downstream of the contracted structure, which prevents the particle from getting close to the wall. In the widely expanded regions, the streamline is curved and no vortex is generated. The shear-gradient lift force and the momentum-change-induced inertial force are dominant for particle lateral migration, driving particles towards the wall of the expanded structures. Eventually, particles are focused and ordered in a single particle train by the combination effects of the inertial forces and the vortex. In comparison with other single-stream particle focusing methods, this device requires no sheath flow, is easy for fabrication and operation, and can work over a wide range of Reynolds numbers from 19.1–142.9. The highly ordered particle chain could be potentially utilized in a variety of lab-chip applications, including micro-flow cytometer, imaging and droplet-based cell entrapment.

Shock Absorbers Save Structures and Lives during Earthquakes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2015-01-01

With NASA funding, North Tonawanda, New York-based Taylor Devices Inc. developed fluidic shock absorbers to safely remove the fuel and electrical connectors from the space shuttles during launch. The company is now employing the technology as seismic dampers to protect structures from earthquakes. To date, 550 buildings and bridges have the dampers, and not a single one has suffered damage in the wake of an earthquake.

Exploratory wind-tunnel investigation of a wingtip-mounted vortex turbine for vortex energy recovery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, J. C., Jr.; Flechner, S. G.

1985-01-01

The Langley 8-foot transonic pressure tunnel was used for tests to determine the possibility of recovering, with a turbine-type device, part of the energy loss associated with the lift-induced vortex system. Tests were conducted on a semispan model with an unswept, untapered wing, with and without a wingtip-mounted vortex turbine. Three sets of turbine blades were tested to determine the effect of airfoil section shape and planform. The tests were conducted at a Mach number of 0.70 over an angle-of-attack range from 0 deg. to 4 deg. at a Reynolds number of 3.82 x 10 to the 6th power based on the wing reference chord of 13 in.

Analytical and numerical performance models of a Heisenberg Vortex Tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bunge, C. D.; Cavender, K. A.; Matveev, K. I.; Leachman, J. W.

2017-12-01

Analytical and numerical investigations of a Heisenberg Vortex Tube (HVT) are performed to estimate the cooling potential with cryogenic hydrogen. The Ranque-Hilsch Vortex Tube (RHVT) is a device that tangentially injects a compressed fluid stream into a cylindrical geometry to promote enthalpy streaming and temperature separation between inner and outer flows. The HVT is the result of lining the inside of a RHVT with a hydrogen catalyst. This is the first concept to utilize the endothermic heat of para-orthohydrogen conversion to aid primary cooling. A review of 1st order vortex tube models available in the literature is presented and adapted to accommodate cryogenic hydrogen properties. These first order model predictions are compared with 2-D axisymmetric Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations.

Micro-Scale Regenerative Heat Exchanger

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moran, Matthew E.; Stelter, Stephan; Stelter, Manfred

2004-01-01

A micro-scale regenerative heat exchanger has been designed, optimized and fabricated for use in a micro-Stirling device. Novel design and fabrication techniques enabled the minimization of axial heat conduction losses and pressure drop, while maximizing thermal regenerative performance. The fabricated prototype is comprised of ten separate assembled layers of alternating metal-dielectric composite. Each layer is offset to minimize conduction losses and maximize heat transfer by boundary layer disruption. A grating pattern of 100 micron square non-contiguous flow passages were formed with a nominal 20 micron wall thickness, and an overall assembled ten-layer thickness of 900 microns. Application of the micro heat exchanger is envisioned in the areas of micro-refrigerators/coolers, micropower devices, and micro-fluidic devices.

A dilation-driven vortex flow in sheared granular materials explains a rheometric anomaly.

PubMed

Krishnaraj, K P; Nott, Prabhu R

2016-02-11

Granular flows occur widely in nature and industry, yet a continuum description that captures their important features is yet not at hand. Recent experiments on granular materials sheared in a cylindrical Couette device revealed a puzzling anomaly, wherein all components of the stress rise nearly exponentially with depth. Here we show, using particle dynamics simulations and imaging experiments, that the stress anomaly arises from a remarkable vortex flow. For the entire range of fill heights explored, we observe a single toroidal vortex that spans the entire Couette cell and whose sense is opposite to the uppermost Taylor vortex in a fluid. We show that the vortex is driven by a combination of shear-induced dilation, a phenomenon that has no analogue in fluids, and gravity flow. Dilatancy is an important feature of granular mechanics, but not adequately incorporated in existing models.

NASA contributions to fluidic systems: A survey

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weathers, T. M.

1972-01-01

A state-of-the art review of fluidic technology is presented. It is oriented towards systems applications rather than theory or design. It draws heavily upon work performed or sponsored by NASA in support of the space program and aeronautical research and development (R&D). Applications are emphasized in this survey because it is hoped that the examples described and the criteria presented for evaluating the suitability of fluidics to new applications will be of value to potential users of fluidic systems. This survey of the fluidics industry suggests some of the means whereby a company may use a fluidic system effectively either to manufacture a product or as part of the end product.

Microfluidic pressure amplifier circuits and electrostatic gates for pneumatic microsystems

DOEpatents

Tice, Joshua D.; Bassett, Thomas A.; Desai, Amit V.; Apblett, Christopher A.; Kenis, Paul J. A.

2016-09-20

An electrostatic actuator is provide that can include a fluidic line, a first electrode, and a second electrode such that a gate chamber portion of the fluidic line is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrostatic actuator can also include a pressure-balancing channel in fluid communication with the gate chamber portion where the first electrode is sandwiched between the pressure-balancing channel and the gate chamber portion. A pneumatic valve system is provided which includes an electrostatic gate and a fluidic channel fluidly separate from a fluidic control line. A pneumatic valve portion of the fluidic control line can be positioned relative to a portion of the fluidic channel such that expansion of the pneumatic valve portion restricts fluid flow through the fluidic channel. Methods of using an electrostatic actuator and a pneumatic valve system are also provided.

Research about Automatic Adjustment Solution of the Advance Force at the Perffusion Drills Using Fluid Elements / Badanie Systemu Automatycznej Regulacji SIŁY Posuwu W Wiertnicach Udarowych Z Wykorzystaniem ELEMENTÓW PŁYNOWYCH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cotetiu, Adriana; Cotetiu, Radu; Ungureanu, Nicolae

2013-12-01

This paper presents the actual solution used by Secoma Company and part of research regarding a personal solution concerning the implementation of the digital devices in the pressing strength's control of a pneumatic rotating drill, which is included in the structure of the drilling installation. The monostable fluidic element, which was proposed to be used, is a special device, with an incompressible fluid as supply jet and compressible fluid as command jet. The fluidic command proposed solution presents superior advantages given the existing variants and the automation solutions with electronic components. This is due to the higher security in hostile work environments (moist environment, with high methane gas contents, with fire danger, with high temperature) of their high feasibility and maintenance. For the practical achievement of the automated regulation with fluidic elements, of the type tested in the experimental plan, it is necessary to choose a monostabile fluidic amplifier for the prototype device, which respects several clear conditions regarding wall attachment angle and geometrical parameters. W pracy przedstawiono rozwiązanie stosowane przez firmę Secoma oraz omówiono część badań dotyczących rozwiązań w dziedzinie implementacji urządzeń cyfrowych do regulacji siły naporu w obrotowych wiertnicach pneumatycznych będących częścią urządzenia wiertniczego. Zaproponowano użycie mono-stabilnego elementu płynowego, będącego specjalnym urządzeniem zawierającym płyn nieściśliwy jako strugę zasilająca i płyn ściśliwy jako strugę sterującą. Rozwiązanie z wykorzystaniem elementu płynowego daje dodatkowe korzyści w odniesieniu do obecnie stosowanych rozwiązań zawierających komponenty elektryczne, przyczyniając się do poprawy bezpieczeństwa pracy w środowisku niebezpiecznym (w warunkach wysokiej wilgotności, wysokich stężeń metanu, zagrożenia pożarowego, wysokich temperatur), ponadto są one łatwe w użyciu i obsłudze. W celu uzyskania odpowiedniej automatycznej regulacji przy zastosowaniu elementów płynowych testowanych w ramach programu badawczego, konieczny był wybór odpowiedniego wzmacniacza płynowego dla prototypu urządzenia, z uwzględnieniem kluczowych wymogów, odnośnie kąta zamocowania do ścian i parametrów geometrycznych.

Active Management of Flap-Edge Trailing Vortices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenblatt, David; Yao, Chung-Sheng; Vey, Stefan; Paschereit, Oliver C.; Meyer, Robert

2008-01-01

The vortex hazard produced by large airliners and increasingly larger airliners entering service, combined with projected rapid increases in the demand for air transportation, is expected to act as a major impediment to increased air traffic capacity. Significant reduction in the vortex hazard is possible, however, by employing active vortex alleviation techniques that reduce the wake severity by dynamically modifying its vortex characteristics, providing that the techniques do not degrade performance or compromise safety and ride quality. With this as background, a series of experiments were performed, initially at NASA Langley Research Center and subsequently at the Berlin University of Technology in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center. The investigations demonstrated the basic mechanism for managing trailing vortices using retrofitted devices that are decoupled from conventional control surfaces. The basic premise for managing vortices advanced here is rooted in the erstwhile forgotten hypothesis of Albert Betz, as extended and verified ingeniously by Coleman duPont Donaldson and his collaborators. Using these devices, vortices may be perturbed at arbitrarily long wavelengths down to wavelengths less than a typical airliner wingspan and the oscillatory loads on the wings, and hence the vehicle, are small. Significant flexibility in the specific device has been demonstrated using local passive and active separation control as well as local circulation control via Gurney flaps. The method is now in a position to be tested in a wind tunnel with a longer test section on a scaled airliner configuration. Alternatively, the method can be tested directly in a towing tank, on a model aircraft, a light aircraft or a full-scale airliner. The authors believed that this method will have significant appeal from an industry perspective due to its retrofit potential with little to no impact on cruise (devices tucked away in the cove or retracted); low operating power requirements; small lift oscillations when deployed in a time-dependent manner; and significant flexibility with respect to the specific devices selected.

Differences in energy expenditure for conventional and femtosecond-assisted cataract surgery using 2 different phacoemulsification systems.

PubMed

Yesilirmak, Nilufer; Diakonis, Vasilios F; Sise, Adam; Waren, Daniel P; Yoo, Sonia H; Donaldson, Kendall E

2017-01-01

To compare the mean cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) in patients having femtosecond laser-assisted or conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery using 2 different phacoemulsification platforms. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, USA. Prospective comparative nonrandomized clinical study. Consecutive patients were scheduled to have femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with the Lensx laser or conventional phacoemulsification using an active-fluidics torsional platform (Centurion) or torsional platform (Infiniti). The mean CDE and cataract grade were recorded. The study comprised 570 eyes (570 patients). There was no statistically significant difference in mean age (P = .41, femtosecond group; P = .33, conventional group) or cataract grade (P = .78 and P = .45, respectively) between the active-fluidics and gravity-fluidics platforms. In femtosecond cases (145 eyes), the mean CDE (percent-seconds) was 5.18 ± 4.58 (SD) with active fluidics and 7.00 ± 6.85 with gravity fluidics; in conventional cases (425 eyes), the mean CDE was 7.77 ± 6.97 and 11.43 ± 9.12, respectively. In both femtosecond cases and conventional cases, the CDE was lower with the active-fluidics platform than with the gravity-fluidics platform (P = .029, femtosecond group; P < .001 conventional group). With both fluidics platforms, the mean CDE was significantly lower in the femtosecond group than in the conventional group (both P < .001). The active-fluidics phacoemulsification platform achieved lower CDE values than the gravity-fluidics platform for conventional cataract extraction. Femtosecond laser pretreatment with the active-fluidics platform further reduced CDE. Copyright © 2017 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Wingtip Devices for Marine Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nedyalkov, Ivaylo; Barrett, Timothy; Wojtowicz, Aleksandra; Wosnik, Martin

2016-11-01

Wingtip devices are widely used in aeronautics, and have been gaining popularity in wind and marine turbine applications. Although the principles of operation of the devices in air and water are similar, one major difference in the marine environment is the presence of cavitation. In an integrated numerical and experimental study, three wingtip devices were attached to an elliptical foil and compared to a reference case (no wingtip). Lift, drag, and cavitation characteristics were obtained both numerically (in OpenFOAM) and experimentally (in the University of New Hampshire High-Speed Cavitation Tunnel). As expected, with the addition of wingtip devices, the maximum lift/drag ratio increases and tip vortex cavitation is suppressed. The next step in the study is to develop a theoretical relationship between tip-vortex cavitation inception and flow parameters for foils with non-elliptical load distribution, such as foils with wingtips. The authors would like to acknowledge Ian Gagnon, Benjamin Mitchell, and Alexander Larson for their help in conducting experiments.

Quality Control Method for a Micro-Nano-Channel Microfabricated Device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grattoni, Alessandro; Ferrari, Mauro; Li, Xuewu

2012-01-01

A variety of silicon-fabricated devices is used in medical applications such as drug and cell delivery, and DNA and protein separation and analysis. When a fluidic device inlet is connected to a compressed gas reservoir, and the outlet is at a lower pressure, a gas flow occurs through the membrane toward the outside. The method relies on the measurement of the gas pressure over the elapsed time inside the upstream and downstream environments. By knowing the volume of the upstream reservoir, the gas flow rate through the membrane over the pressure drop can be calculated. This quality control method consists of measuring the gas flow through a device and comparing the results with a standard curve, which can be obtained by testing standard devices. Standard devices can be selected through a variety of techniques, both destructive and nondestructive, such as SEM, AFM, and standard particle filtration.

Shaping perfect optical vortex with amplitude modulated using a digital micro-mirror device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chonglei; Min, Changjun; Yuan, X.-C.

2016-12-01

We propose a technique to generate of perfect optical vortex (POV) via Fourier transformation of Bessel-Gauss (BG) beams through encoding of the amplitude of the optical field with binary amplitude digital micro-mirrors device (DMD). Furthermore, we confirm the correct phase patterns of the POV with the method of Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Our approach to generate the POV has the advantages that rapidly switch among the different modes, wide spectral regions and high energy tolerance. Since the POV possess propagation properties that not shape-invariant, we therefore suppose that our proposed approach will find potential applications in optical microscopy, optical fabrication, and optical communication.

Subsonic balance and pressure investigation of a 60-deg delta wing with leading-edge devices (data report)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, D. M.; Tingas, S. A.

1981-01-01

The drag reduction potential of leading edge devices on a 60 degree delta wing at high lift was examined. Geometric variations of fences, chordwise slots, pylon type vortex generators, leading edge vortex flaps, and sharp leading edge extensions were tested individually and in specific combinations to improve high-alpha drag performance with a minimum of low-alpha drag penalty. The force, moment, and surface static pressure data for angles of attack up to 23 degrees, at Mach and Reynolds numbers of 0.16 and 3.85 x 10 to the 6th power per meter are documented.

Electro-optofluidics: achieving dynamic control on-chip

PubMed Central

Soltani, Mohammad; Inman, James T.; Lipson, Michal; Wang, Michelle D.

2012-01-01

A vital element in integrated optofluidics is dynamic tuning and precise control of photonic devices, especially when employing electronic techniques which are challenging to utilize in an aqueous environment. We overcome this challenge by introducing a new platform in which the photonic device is controlled using electro-optical phase tuning. The phase tuning is generated by the thermo-optic effect using an on-chip electric microheater located outside the fluidic channel, and is transmitted to the optofluidic device through optical waveguides. The microheater is compact, high-speed (> 18 kHz), and consumes low power (~mW). We demonstrate dynamic optical trapping control of nanoparticles by an optofluidic resonator. This novel electro-optofluidic platform allows the realization of high throughput optofluidic devices with switching, tuning, and reconfiguration capability, and promises new directions in optofluidics. PMID:23037380

Vortex wake control via smart structures technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quackenbush, Todd R.; Bilanin, Alan J.; McKillip, Robert M., Jr.

1996-05-01

Control of trailing vortex wakes is an important challenges for both military and civilian applications. This paper summarizes an assessment of the feasibility of mitigating adverse vortex wake effects using control surfaces actuated via Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology. The assessment involved a combined computational/design analysis that identified methods for introducing small secondary vortices to promote the deintensification of vortex wakes of submarines and aircraft. Computational analyses of wake breakup using this `vortex leveraging' strategy were undertaken, and showed dramatic increases in the dissipation rate of concentrated vortex wakes. This paper briefly summarizes these results and describes the preliminary design of actuation mechanisms for the deflectable surfaces that effect the required time-varying wake perturbations. These surfaces, which build on the high-force, high- deflection capabilities of SMA materials, are shown to be well suited for the very low frequency actuation requirements of the wake deintensification mission. The paper outlines the assessment of device performance capabilities and describes the sizing studies undertaken for full-scale Vortex Leveraging Tabs (VLTs) designed for use in hydrodynamic and aerodynamic applications. Results obtained to date indicate that the proposed VLTs can accelerate wake breakup by over a factor of three and can be implemented using deflectable surfaces actuated using SMAs.

A Transdermal Drug Delivery System Based on LIGA Technology and Soft Lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matteucci, Marco; Perennes, Frederic; Marmiroli, Benedetta; Di Fabrizio, Enzo

2007-01-01

This report presents a transdermal drug delivery system based on LIGA fabricated microparts. It is a portable device combining a magnetically actuated micro gear pump with a microneedle array. The fluidic behaviour of the system is analyzed in order to predict its performance according to the dimension of the microparts and then compared to experimental data. The manufacturing process of both micropump and microneedle array are described.

Simulation of electrokinetic flow in microfluidic channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabur, Romena; Matin, M.

2005-08-01

Electrokinetic phenomena become an increasingly efficient fluid transport mechanism in micro- and nano-fluidic fields. These phenomena have also been applied successfully in microfluidic devices to achieve particle separation, pre-concentration and mixing. Electrokinetic is the flow produced by the action of an electric field on a fluid with a net charge, where the charged ions of fluid are able to drag the whole solution through the channels in the microfluidic device from one analyzing point to the other. We will present the simulation results of electrokinetic transports of fluid in various typical micro-channel geometries such as T-channel, Y-channel, cross channel and straight channel. In practice, high-speed micro-PIV technique is used to measure transient fluidic phenomena in a microfluidic channel. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) systems provide two- or three-dimensional velocity maps in flows using whole field techniques based on imaging the light scattered by small particles in the flow illuminated by a laser light sheet. The system generally consists of an epifluorescent microscope, CW laser and a high-speed CMOS of CCD camera. The flow of a liquid, (water for example), containing fluorescent particle is then analyzed in a counter microchannel by the highly accurate PIV method. One can then compare the simulated and experimental microfluidic flow due to electroosmotic effect.

Analysis of low-field isotropic vortex glass containing vortex groups in YBa2Cu3O7−x thin films visualized by scanning SQUID microscopy

PubMed Central

Wells, Frederick S.; Pan, Alexey V.; Wang, X. Renshaw; Fedoseev, Sergey A.; Hilgenkamp, Hans

2015-01-01

The glass-like vortex distribution in pulsed laser deposited YBa2Cu3O7 − x thin films is observed by scanning superconducting quantum interference device microscopy and analysed for ordering after cooling in magnetic fields significantly smaller than the Earth's field. Autocorrelation calculations on this distribution show a weak short-range positional order, while Delaunay triangulation shows a near-complete lack of orientational order. The distribution of these vortices is finally characterised as an isotropic vortex glass. Abnormally closely spaced groups of vortices, which are statistically unlikely to occur, are observed above a threshold magnetic field. The origin of these groups is discussed, but will require further investigation. PMID:25728772

Noise reduction in supersonic jets by nozzle fluidic inserts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morris, Philip J.; McLaughlin, Dennis K.; Kuo, Ching-Wen

2013-08-01

Professor Philip Doak spent a very productive time as a consultant to the Lockheed-Georgia Company in the early 1970s. The focus of the overall research project was the prediction and reduction of noise from supersonic jets. Now, 40 years on, the present paper describes an innovative methodology and device for the reduction of supersonic jet noise. The goal is the development of a practical active noise reduction technique for low bypass ratio turbofan engines. This method introduces fluidic inserts installed in the divergent wall of a CD nozzle to replace hard-wall corrugation seals, which have been demonstrated to be effective by Seiner (2005) [1]. By altering the configuration and operating conditions of the fluidic inserts, active noise reduction for both mixing and shock noise has been obtained. Substantial noise reductions have been achieved for mixing noise in the maximum noise emission direction and in the forward arc for broadband shock-associated noise. To achieve these reductions (on the order of greater than 4 and 2 dB for the two main components respectively), practically achievable levels of injection mass flow rates have been used. The total injected mass flow rates are less than 4% of the core mass flow rate and the effective operating injection pressure ratio has been maintained at or below the same level as the nozzle pressure ratio of the core flow.

Development of PZT Actuated Valveless Micropump.

PubMed

Munas, Fathima Rehana; Melroy, Gehan; Abeynayake, Chamitha Bhagya; Chathuranga, Hiniduma Liyanage; Amarasinghe, Ranjith; Kumarage, Pubudu; Dau, Van Thanh; Dao, Dzung Viet

2018-04-24

A piezoelectrically actuated valveless micropump has been designed and developed. The principle components of this system are piezoelectrically actuated (PZT) metal diaphragms and a complete fluid flow system. The design of this pump mainly focuses on a cross junction, which is generated by a nozzle jet attached to a pump chamber and the intersection of two inlet channels and an outlet channel respectively. During each PZT diaphragm vibration cycle, the junction connecting the inlet and outlet channels with the nozzle jet permits consistencies in fluidic momentum and resistances in order to facilitate complete fluidic path throughout the system, in the absence of any physical valves. The entire micropump structure is fabricated as a plate-by-plate element of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) sheets and sandwiched to get required fluidic network as well as the overall device. In order to identify the flow characteristics, and to validate the test results with numerical simulation data, FEM analysis using ANSYS was carried out and an eigenfrequency analysis was performed to the PZT diaphragm using COMSOL Multiphysics. In addition, the control system of the pump was designed and developed to change the applied frequency to the piezoelectric diaphragms. The experimental data revealed that the maximum flow rate is 31.15 mL/min at a frequency of 100 Hz. Our proposed design is not only for a specific application but also useful in a wide range of biomedical applications.

Clog Retard of a Vortex Throttle Joule-Thomson Cryocooler: Further Experimental Verification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maytal, B.-Z.

2010-04-01

The demand of high purity gas supply for Joule-Thomson cryocoolers and liquefiers is crucial in order to avoid plug formation at the delicate throttling device. A throttle which would tolerate higher level of contamination is greatly desirable for more reliable operation. The vortex throttle has such a potential. A series of vortex throttles were applied to a miniature Joule-Thomson cryocooler and tested with precisely contaminated coolant. The instantaneous flow rate and the mode of its decay indicate the rate and nature of plug formation. Each experiment was a simultaneous run of two cryocoolers in parallel at similar conditions: one with a traditional throttle of short hole, and the other one with the vortex throttle. The clog retard behavior of the vortex throttle was verified. It runs about 2.5 times longer than the traditional one, while being fed by water vapor contaminated nitrogen at the levels of 5 and 17 PPM. The contamination level by carbon dioxide was 80 PPM and exhibited a different behavior of clog formation. Its effect on the cryocooler temperature stability with the vortex throttle was quite minor.

Nano scale devices: Fabrication, actuation, and related fluidic dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jing, Hao

Using external actuating magnetic fields to manipulate magnetic parts is an efficient method to manipulate mesoscopic actable devices. Extensive researches have explored the potentials of self-assembly techniques based on capillary force, static charge force, drying, surface tension, and even dynamic fields as a low cost method for ordered 2D or 3D super-lattice structures for new materials and devices. But the ability of tunable patterning nano-particles for designed actable devices is still a requirement yet to be met. Utilizing anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes as templates, soft-magnetic nanowires around 200 nm in diameter, 10 microns long have been fabricated. In this thesis, I describe a method to assemble these magnetic nanowires into a two dimension Wigner structure, of which the wire-wire distance is conveniently adjustable during the fabrication procedure. Using geometric tailored magnetic fields, we can plant these self-assembled magnetic nanowires with desired patterns into a thin soft polymer support layer. The final devices may be readily actuated by an external actuating magnetic field (a self-designed magnetic system, 3-dimensional force microscope (3DFM)) with precise patterns and frequencies in a micro-fluidic system. This method offers a general method to fabricate mesoscopic devices from a wide range of materials with magnetic dipoles to desired structures. And the actable devices themselves can find direct usage in low Re number flow mixing and bio-physical fluidic dynamic researches. The beating of cilia and flagella, slender cylinders 250 nanometers in diameter with lengths from 7 to 50 microns, is responsible for many important biological functions such as organism feeding, propulsion, for bacterial clearance in the lungs and for the right-left asymmetry in vertebrates. The hydrodynamics produced by these beating structures, including mixing, shear and extensional flows, is not understood. We developed an experimental model system for cilia beating through the use of magnetic nanowires. We apply our custom magnetic system, 3DFM, to drive these magnetic nanowires rotating with desired patterns and frequencies in a liquid chamber. High speed movies of passive tracers in the oscillating 3-D flow fields reveal the spatio-temporal structure of the induced fluid motion. Complementing these experimental studies, we have developed a family of exact solutions of the Stoke's equations for a spheroid sweeping a double cone in free space, and an asymptotic solution for a spinning slender rod sweeping an upright cone above a flat, infinite no-slip plane. We are using these solutions to develop a mathematical package to quantitatively model, and predict the tracer motion induced by the spinning nano-rods with and without Brownian noise. To understand the effect of these epicyclical flows on molecular conformations, we have studied the conformation of fluorescently labeled, single DNA molecules (lambda-DNA) in the flow produced by a precessing nanowire. The flow patterns in a viscoelastic medium about a precessing nanowire are also presented to reveal the epicyclical flows in a more bio-related environment.

Imaging Magnetic Vortices Dynamics Using Lorentz Electron Microscopy with GHz Excitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yimei

2015-03-01

Magnetic vortices in thin films are naturally formed spiral spin configurations with a core polarization pointing out of the film plane. They typically represent ground states with high structural and thermal stability as well as four different chirality-polarity combinations, offering great promise in the development of spin-based devices. For applications to spin oscillators, non-volatile memory and logic devices, the fundamental understanding and precise control of vortex excitations and dynamic switching behavior are essential. The compact dimensionality and fast spin dynamics set grand challenges for direct imaging technologies. Recently, we have developed a unique method to directly visualize the dynamic magnetic vortex motion using advanced Lorentz electron microscopy combined with GHz electronic excitations. It enables us to map the orbit of a magnetic vortex core in a permalloy square with <5nm resolution and to reveal subtle changes of the gyrotropic motion as the vortex is driven through resonance. Further, in multilayer spin-valve disks, we probed the strongly coupled coaxial vortex motion in the dipolar- and indirect exchange-coupled regimes and unraveled the underlying coherence and modality. Our approach is complementary to X-ray magnetic circular dichroism and is of general interest to the magnetism community as it paves a way to study fundamental spin phenomena with unprecedented resolution and accuracy. Collaborations with S.D. Pollard, J.F. Pulecio, D.A. Arena and K.S. Buchanan are acknowledged. Work supported by DOE-BES, Material Sciences and Engineering Division, under Contract No. DE-AC02-98CH10886.

Plastic masters-rigid templates for soft lithography.

PubMed

Desai, Salil P; Freeman, Dennis M; Voldman, Joel

2009-06-07

We demonstrate a simple process for the fabrication of rigid plastic master molds for soft lithography directly from (poly)dimethysiloxane devices. Plastics masters (PMs) provide a cost-effective alternative to silicon-based masters and can be easily replicated without the need for cleanroom facilities. We have successfully demonstrated the use of plastics micromolding to generate both single and dual-layer plastic structures, and have characterized the fidelity of the molding process. Using the PM fabrication technique, world-to-chip connections can be integrated directly into the master enabling devices with robust, well-aligned fluidic ports directly after molding. PMs provide an easy technique for the fabrication of microfluidic devices and a simple route for the scaling-up of fabrication of robust masters for soft lithography.

Comparison of cumulative dissipated energy delivered by active-fluidic pressure control phacoemulsification system versus gravity-fluidics.

PubMed

Gonzalez-Salinas, Roberto; Garza-Leon, Manuel; Saenz-de-Viteri, Manuel; Solis-S, Juan C; Gulias-Cañizo, Rosario; Quiroz-Mercado, Hugo

2017-08-22

To compare the cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), aspiration time and estimated aspiration fluid utilized during phacoemulsification cataract surgery using two phacoemulsification systems . A total of 164 consecutive eyes of 164 patients undergoing cataract surgery, 82 in the active-fluidics group and 82 in the gravity-fluidics group were enrolled in this study. Cataracts graded NII to NIII using LOCS II were included. Each subject was randomly assigned to one of the two platforms with a specific configuration: the active-fluidics Centurion ® phacoemulsification system or the gravity-fluidics Infiniti ® Vision System. CDE, aspiration time (AT) and the mean estimated aspiration fluid (EAF) were registered and compared. A mean age of 68.3 ± 9.8 years was found (range 57-92 years), and no significant difference was evident between both groups. A positive correlation between the CDE values obtained by both platforms was verified (r = 0.271, R 2  = 0.073, P = 0.013). Similarly, a significant correlation was evidenced for the EAF (r = 0.334, R 2  = 0.112, P = 0.046) and AT values (r = 0.156, R 2  = 0.024, P = 0.161). A statistically significantly lower CDE count, aspiration time and estimated fluid were obtained using the active-fluidics configuration when compared to the gravity-fluidics configuration by 19.29, 12.10 and 9.29%, respectively (P = 0.001, P < 0.0001 and P = 0.001). The active-fluidics Centurion ® phacoemulsification system achieved higher surgical efficiency than the gravity-fluidics Infiniti ® IP system for NII and NIII cataracts.

Vortex manipulation in a superconducting matrix with view on applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milošević, M. V.; Peeters, F. M.

2010-05-01

We show how a single flux quantum can be effectively manipulated in a superconducting film with a matrix of blind holes. Such a sample can serve as a basic memory element, where the position of the vortex in a k ×l matrix of pinning sites defines the desired combination of n bits of information (2n=k×l). Vortex placement is achieved by strategically applied current and the resulting position is read out via generated voltage between metallic contacts on the sample. Such a device can also act as a controllable source of a nanoengineered local magnetic field for, e.g., spintronics applications.

CERT: Center of Excellence in Rotorcraft Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

The research objectives of this effort are to understand the physical processes that influence the formation of the tip vortex of a rotor in advancing flight, and to develop active and passive means of weakening the tip vortex during conditions when strong blade-vortex-interaction effects are expected. A combined experimental, analytical, and computational effort is being employed. Specifically, the following efforts are being pursued: 1. Analytical evaluation and design of combined elastic tailoring and active material actuators applicable to rotor blade tips. 2. Numerical simulations of active and passive tip devices. 3. LDV Measurement of the near and far wake behind rotors in forward flight.

Tricritical spiral vortex instability in cross-slot flow.

PubMed

Haward, Simon J; Poole, Robert J; Alves, Manuel A; Oliveira, Paulo J; Goldenfeld, Nigel; Shen, Amy Q

2016-03-01

We examine fluid flow through cross-slot devices with various depth to width ratios α. At low Reynolds number, Re, flow is symmetric and a sharp boundary exists between the two incoming fluid streams. Above an α-dependent critical value, Re(c)(α), a steady symmetry-breaking bifurcation occurs and a spiral vortex structure develops. Order parameters characterizing the instability grow according to a sixth-order Landau potential, and show a progression from second- to first-order transitions as α increases beyond a tricritical value of α ≈ 0.55. Flow simulations indicate the instability is driven by vortex stretching at the stagnation point.

The Effects of Sweeping Jet Actuator Parameters on Flow Separation Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koklu, Mehti

2015-01-01

A parametric experimental study was performed with sweeping jet actuators (fluidic oscillators) to determine their effectiveness in controlling flow separation on an adverse pressure gradient ramp. Actuator parameters that were investigated include blowing coefficients, operation mode, pitch and spreading angles, streamwise location, aspect ratio, and scale. Surface pressure measurements and surface oil flow visualization were used to characterize the effects of these parameters on the actuator performance. 2D Particle Image Velocimetry measurements of the flow field over the ramp and hot-wire measurements of the actuator's jet flow were also obtained for selective cases. In addition, the sweeping jet actuators were compared to other well-known flow control techniques such as micro-vortex generators, steady blowing, and steady vortex-generating jets. The results confirm that the sweeping jet actuators are more effective than steady blowing and steady vortex-generating jets. The results also suggest that an actuator with a larger spreading angle placed closer to the location where the flow separates provides better performance. For the cases tested, an actuator with an aspect ratio, which is the width/depth of the actuator throat, of 2 was found to be optimal. For a fixed momentum coefficient, decreasing the aspect ratio to 1 produced weaker vortices while increasing the aspect ratio to 4 reduced coverage area. Although scaling down the actuator (based on the throat dimensions) from 0.25 inch x 0.125 inch to 0.15 inch x 0.075 inch resulted in similar flow control performance, scaling down the actuator further to 0.075 inch x 0.0375 inch reduced the actuator efficiency by reducing the coverage area and the amount of mixing in the near-wall region. The results of this study provide insight that can be used to design and select the optimal sweeping jet actuator configuration for flow control applications.

Pseudo 1-D Micro/Nanofluidic Device for Exact Electrokinetic Responses.

PubMed

Kim, Junsuk; Kim, Ho-Young; Lee, Hyomin; Kim, Sung Jae

2016-06-28

Conventionally, a 1-D micro/nanofluidic device, whose nanochannel bridged two microchannels, was widely chosen in the fundamental electrokinetic studies; however, the configuration had intrinsic limitations of the time-consuming and labor intensive tasks of filling and flushing the microchannel due to the high fluidic resistance of the nanochannel bridge. In this work, a pseudo 1-D micro/nanofluidic device incorporating air valves at each microchannel was proposed for mitigating these limitations. High Laplace pressure formed at liquid/air interface inside the microchannels played as a virtual valve only when the electrokinetic operations were conducted. The identical electrokinetic behaviors of the propagation of ion concentration polarization layer and current-voltage responses were obtained in comparison with the conventional 1-D micro/nanofluidic device by both experiments and numerical simulations. Therefore, the suggested pseudo 1-D micro/nanofluidic device owned not only experimental conveniences but also exact electrokinetic responses.

Laboratory demonstration of an optical vortex mask coronagraph using photonic crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murakami, N.; Baba, N.; Ise, A.; Sakamoto, M.; Oka, K.

2010-10-01

Photonic crystal, artificial periodic nanostructure, is an attractive device for constructing focal-plane phase-mask coronagraphs such as segmented phase masks (four-quadrant, eight-octant, and 4N-segmented ones) and an optical vortex mask (OVM), because of its extremely small manufacturing defect. Recently, speckle-noise limited contrast has been demonstrated for two monochromatic lasers by using the eight-octant phase-mask made of the photonic crystal (Murakami et al. 2010, ApJ, 714, 772). We applied the photonic-crystal device to the OVM coronagraph. The OVM is more advantageous over the segmented phase masks because it does not have discontinuities other than a central singular point and provides a full on-sky field of view. For generating an achromatic optical vortex, we manufactured an axially-symmetric half-wave plate (ASHWP). It is expected that a size of the manufacturing defect due to the central singularity is an order of several hundreds nanometers. The ASHWP is placed between two circular polarizers for modulating a Pancharatnam phase. A continuous spiral phase modulation is then implemented achromatically. We carried out preliminary laboratory demonstration of the OVM coronagraph using two monochromatic lasers as a model star (wavelengths of 532 nm and 633 nm). We report a principle of the achromatic optical-vortex generation, and results of the laboratory demonstration of the OVM coronagraph.

Geometrical Vortex Lattice Pinning and Melting in YBaCuO Submicron Bridges.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Papari, G. P.; Glatz, A.; Carillo, F.

Since the discovery of high-temperature superconductors (HTSs), most efforts of researchers have been focused on the fabrication of superconducting devices capable of immobilizing vortices, hence of operating at enhanced temperatures and magnetic fields. Recent findings that geometric restrictions may induce self-arresting hypervortices recovering the dissipation-free state at high fields and temperatures made superconducting strips a mainstream of superconductivity studies. Here in this paper we report on the geometrical melting of the vortex lattice in a wide YBCO submicron bridge preceded by magnetoresistance (MR) oscillations fingerprinting the underlying regular vortex structure. Combined magnetoresistance measurements and numerical simulations unambiguously relate the resistancemore » oscillations to the penetration of vortex rows with intermediate geometrical pinning and uncover the details of geometrical melting. Our findings offer a reliable and reproducible pathway for controlling vortices in geometrically restricted nanodevices and introduce a novel technique of geometrical spectroscopy, inferring detailed information of the structure of the vortex system through a combined use of MR curves and large-scale simulations.« less

Application of the vortex-lattice technique to the analysis of thin wings with vortex separation and thick multi-element wings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, C. W.; Bhateley, I. C.

1976-01-01

Two techniques for extending the range of applicability of the basic vortex-lattice method are discussed. The first improves the computation of aerodynamic forces on thin, low-aspect-ratio wings of arbitrary planforms at subsonic Mach numbers by including the effects of leading-edge and tip vortex separation, characteristic of this type wing, through use of the well-known suction-analogy method of E. C. Polhamus. Comparisons with experimental data for a variety of planforms are presented. The second consists of the use of the vortex-lattice method to predict pressure distributions over thick multi-element wings (wings with leading- and trailing-edge devices). A method of laying out the lattice is described which gives accurate pressures on the top and part of the bottom surface of the wing. Limited comparisons between the result predicted by this method, the conventional lattice arrangement method, experimental data, and 2-D potential flow analysis techniques are presented.

Thermally Driven Inhibition of Superconducting Vortex Avalanches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lara, Antonio; Aliev, Farkhad G.; Moshchalkov, Victor V.; Galperin, Yuri M.

2017-09-01

Complex systems close to their critical state can exhibit abrupt transitions—avalanches—between their metastable states. It is a challenging task to understand the mechanism of the avalanches and control their behavior. Here, we investigate microwave stimulation of avalanches in the so-called vortex matter of type-II superconductors—a system of interacting Abrikosov vortices close to the critical (Bean) state. Our main finding is that the avalanche incubation strongly depends on the excitation frequency, a completely unexpected behavior observed close to the so-called depinning frequencies. Namely, the triggered vortex avalanches in Pb superconducting films become effectively inhibited approaching the critical temperature or critical magnetic field when the microwave stimulus is close to the vortex depinning frequency. We suggest a simple model explaining the observed counterintuitive behaviors as a manifestation of the strongly nonlinear dependence of the driven vortex core size on the microwave excitation intensity. This paves the way to controlling avalanches in superconductor-based devices through their nonlinear response.

Geometrical Vortex Lattice Pinning and Melting in YBaCuO Submicron Bridges.

DOE PAGES

Papari, G. P.; Glatz, A.; Carillo, F.; ...

2016-12-23

Since the discovery of high-temperature superconductors (HTSs), most efforts of researchers have been focused on the fabrication of superconducting devices capable of immobilizing vortices, hence of operating at enhanced temperatures and magnetic fields. Recent findings that geometric restrictions may induce self-arresting hypervortices recovering the dissipation-free state at high fields and temperatures made superconducting strips a mainstream of superconductivity studies. Here in this paper we report on the geometrical melting of the vortex lattice in a wide YBCO submicron bridge preceded by magnetoresistance (MR) oscillations fingerprinting the underlying regular vortex structure. Combined magnetoresistance measurements and numerical simulations unambiguously relate the resistancemore » oscillations to the penetration of vortex rows with intermediate geometrical pinning and uncover the details of geometrical melting. Our findings offer a reliable and reproducible pathway for controlling vortices in geometrically restricted nanodevices and introduce a novel technique of geometrical spectroscopy, inferring detailed information of the structure of the vortex system through a combined use of MR curves and large-scale simulations.« less

Optimal Control of Airfoil Flow Separation using Fluidic Excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahrabi, Arireza F.

This thesis deals with the control of flow separation around a symmetric airfoils with the aid of multiple synthetic jet actuators (SJAs). CFD simulation methods have been implemented to uncover the flow separation regimes and associated properties such as frequencies and momentum ratio. In the first part of the study, the SJA was studied thoroughly. Large Eddy Simulations (LES) were performed for one individual cavity; the time history of SJA of the outlet velocity profile and the net momentum imparted to the flow were analyzed. The studied SJA is asymmetrical and operates with the aid of a piezoelectric (PZT) ceramic circular plate actuator. A three-dimensional mesh for the computational domain of the SJA and the surrounding volume was developed and was used to evaluate the details of the airflow conditions inside the SJA as well as at the outlet. The vibration of the PZT ceramic actuator was used as a boundary condition in the computational model to drive the SJA. Particular attention was given to developing a predictive model of the SJA outlet velocity. Results showed that the SJA velocity output is correlated to the PZT ceramic plate vibration, especially for the first frequency mode. SJAs are a particular class of zero net mass flux (ZNMF) fluidic devices with net imparted momentum to the flow. The net momentum imparted to the flow in the separated region is such that positive enhancement during AFC operations is achieved. Flows around the NACA 0015 airfoil were simulated for a range of operating conditions. Attention was given to the active open and closed loop control solutions for an airfoil with SJA at different angles of attack and flap angles. A large number of simulations using RANS & LES models were performed to study the effects of the momentum ratio (Cμ) in the range of 0 to 11% and of the non-dimensional frequency, F+, in the range of 0 to 2 for the control of flow separation at a practical angle of attack and flap angle. The optimum value of Cμ as well as F+ were evaluated and discussed. The computational model predictions showed good agreement with the experimental data. It was observed that different angles of attack and flap angles have different requirements for the minimum value of the momentum coefficient, Cμ, in order for the SJA to be effective for control of separation. It was also found that the variation of F + noticeably affects the lift and drag forces acting on the airfoil. The optimum values of parameters during open loop control simulations have been applied in order to introduce the optimal open loop control outcome. An innovative approach has been implemented to formulate optimal frequencies and momentum ratios of vortex shedding which depends on angle of attack and static pressure of the separation zone in the upper chord. Optimal open loop results have been compared with the optimal closed loop results. Cumulative case studies in the matter of angle of attacks, flap angles, Re, Cμ and F+ provide a convincing collection of evidence to the following conclusion. An improvement of a direct closed loop control was demonstrated, and an analytical formula describing the properties of a separated flow and vortex shedding was proposed. Best AFC solutions are offered by providing optimal frequencies and momentum ratios at a variety of flow conditions.

Continuous field-flow separation of particle populations in a dielectrophoretic chip with three dimensional electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iliescu, Ciprian; Tresset, Guillaume; Xu, Guolin

2007-06-01

This letter presents a dielectrophoretic (DEP) separation method of particles under continuous flow. The method consists of flowing two particle populations through a microfluidic channel, in which the vertical walls are the electrodes of the DEP device. The irregular shape of the electrodes generates both electric field and fluid velocity gradients. As a result, the particles that exhibit negative DEP can be trapped in the fluidic dead zones, while the particles that experience positive DEP are concentrated in the regions with high velocity and collected at the outlet. The device was tested with dead and living yeast cells.

Improving Sample Distribution Homogeneity in Three-Dimensional Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices by Rational Device Design.

PubMed

Morbioli, Giorgio Gianini; Mazzu-Nascimento, Thiago; Milan, Luis Aparecido; Stockton, Amanda M; Carrilho, Emanuel

2017-05-02

Paper-based devices are a portable, user-friendly, and affordable technology that is one of the best analytical tools for inexpensive diagnostic devices. Three-dimensional microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (3D-μPADs) are an evolution of single layer devices and they permit effective sample dispersion, individual layer treatment, and multiplex analytical assays. Here, we present the rational design of a wax-printed 3D-μPAD that enables more homogeneous permeation of fluids along the cellulose matrix than other existing designs in the literature. Moreover, we show the importance of the rational design of channels on these devices using glucose oxidase, peroxidase, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) reactions. We present an alternative method for layer stacking using a magnetic apparatus, which facilitates fluidic dispersion and improves the reproducibility of tests performed on 3D-μPADs. We also provide the optimized designs for printing, facilitating further studies using 3D-μPADs.

Paper-based CRP Monitoring Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Shang-Chi; Tseng, Chung-Yuh; Lai, Po-Liang; Hsu, Min-Yen; Chu, Shueh-Yao; Tseng, Fan-Gang; Cheng, Chao-Min

2016-12-01

Here, we discuss the development of a paper-based diagnostic device that is inexpensive, portable, easy-to-use, robust, and capable of running simultaneous tests to monitor a relevant inflammatory protein for clinical diagnoses i.e. C-reactive protein (CRP). In this study, we first attempted to make a paper-based diagnostic device via the wax printing method, a process that was used in previous studies. This device has two distinct advantages: 1) reduced manufacturing and assay costs and operation duration via using wax printing method to define hydrophobic boundaries (for fluidic devices or general POC devices); and, 2) the hydrophilicity of filter paper, which is used to purify and chromatographically correct interference caused by whole blood components with a tiny amount of blood sample (only 5 μL). Diagnosis was based on serum stain length retained inside the paper channels of our device. This is a balanced function between surface tension and chromatographic force following immune reactions (CRP assays) with a paper-embedded biomarker.

Lab on a Biomembrane: Rapid prototyping and manipulation of 2D fluidic lipid bilayers circuits

PubMed Central

Ainla, Alar; Gözen, Irep; Hakonen, Bodil; Jesorka, Aldo

2013-01-01

Lipid bilayer membranes are among the most ubiquitous structures in the living world, with intricate structural features and a multitude of biological functions. It is attractive to recreate these structures in the laboratory, as this allows mimicking and studying the properties of biomembranes and their constituents, and to specifically exploit the intrinsic two-dimensional fluidity. Even though diverse strategies for membrane fabrication have been reported, the development of related applications and technologies has been hindered by the unavailability of both versatile and simple methods. Here we report a rapid prototyping technology for two-dimensional fluidic devices, based on in-situ generated circuits of phospholipid films. In this “lab on a molecularly thin membrane”, various chemical and physical operations, such as writing, erasing, functionalization, and molecular transport, can be applied to user-defined regions of a membrane circuit. This concept is an enabling technology for research on molecular membranes and their technological use. PMID:24067786

Variable Frequency Diverter Actuation for Flow Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Culley, Dennis E.

2006-01-01

The design and development of an actively controlled fluidic actuator for flow control applications is explored. The basic device, with one input and two output channels, takes advantage of the Coanda effect to force a fluid jet to adhere to one of two axi-symmetric surfaces. The resultant flow is bi-stable, producing a constant flow from one output channel, until a disturbance force applied at the control point causes the flow to switch to the alternate output channel. By properly applying active control the output flows can be manipulated to provide a high degree of modulation over a wide and variable range of frequency and duty cycle. In this study the momentary operative force is applied by small, high speed isolation valves of which several different types are examined. The active fluidic diverter actuator is shown to work in several configurations including that in which the operator valves are referenced to atmosphere as well as to a source common with the power stream.

Rapid Prototyping Technique for the Fabrication of Millifluidic Devices for Polymer Formulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cabral, Joao; Harrison, Christopher; Eric, Amis; Karim, Alamgir

2003-03-01

We describe a rapid prototyping technique for the fabrication of 600 micron deep fluidic channels in a solvent-resistant polymeric matrix. Using a conventional illumination source, a laser-jet printed mask, and a commercially available thioelene-based adhesive, we demonstrate the fabrication of fluidic channels which are impervious to a wide range of solvents. The fabrication of channels with this depth by conventional lithography would be both challenging and time-consuming. We demonstrate two lithography methods: one which fabricates channels sealed between glass plates (closed face) and one which fabricates structures on a single plate (open-faced). Furthermore, we demonstrate that this technology can be used to fabricate channels with a depth which varies linearly with distance. The latter is completely compatible with silicone replication technniques. Additionally, we demonstrate that siloxane-based elastomer molds of these channels can be readily made for aqueous applications. Applications to on-line phase mapping of polymer solutions (PEO-Water-Salt) and off line phase separation studies will be discussed.

Computational Study of Fluidic Thrust Vectoring using Separation Control in a Nozzle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deere, Karen; Berrier, Bobby L.; Flamm, Jeffrey D.; Johnson, Stuart K.

2003-01-01

A computational investigation of a two- dimensional nozzle was completed to assess the use of fluidic injection to manipulate flow separation and cause thrust vectoring of the primary jet thrust. The nozzle was designed with a recessed cavity to enhance the throat shifting method of fluidic thrust vectoring. The structured-grid, computational fluid dynamics code PAB3D was used to guide the design and analyze over 60 configurations. Nozzle design variables included cavity convergence angle, cavity length, fluidic injection angle, upstream minimum height, aft deck angle, and aft deck shape. All simulations were computed with a static freestream Mach number of 0.05. a nozzle pressure ratio of 3.858, and a fluidic injection flow rate equal to 6 percent of the primary flow rate. Results indicate that the recessed cavity enhances the throat shifting method of fluidic thrust vectoring and allows for greater thrust-vector angles without compromising thrust efficiency.

Flexible MEMS: A novel technology to fabricate flexible sensors and electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tu, Hongen

This dissertation presents the design and fabrication techniques used to fabricate flexible MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) devices. MEMS devices and CMOS(Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) circuits are traditionally fabricated on rigid substrates with inorganic semiconductor materials such as Silicon. However, it is highly desirable that functional elements like sensors, actuators or micro fluidic components to be fabricated on flexible substrates for a wide variety of applications. Due to the fact that flexible substrate is temperature sensitive, typically only low temperature materials, such as polymers, metals, and organic semiconductor materials, can be directly fabricated on flexible substrates. A novel technology based on XeF2(xenon difluoride) isotropic silicon etching and parylene conformal coating, which is able to monolithically incorporate high temperature materials and fluidic channels, was developed at Wayne State University. The technology was first implemented in the development of out-of-plane parylene microneedle arrays that can be individually addressed by integrated flexible micro-channels. These devices enable the delivery of chemicals with controlled temporal and spatial patterns and allow us to study neurotransmitter-based retinal prosthesis. The technology was further explored by adopting the conventional SOI-CMOS processes. High performance and high density CMOS circuits can be first fabricated on SOI wafers, and then be integrated into flexible substrates. Flexible p-channel MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect-Transistors) were successfully integrated and tested. Integration of pressure sensors and flow sensors based on single crystal silicon has also been demonstrated. A novel smart yarn technology that enables the invisible integration of sensors and electronics into fabrics has been developed. The most significant advantage of this technology is its post-MEMS and post-CMOS compatibility. Various high-performance MEMS devices and electronics can be integrated into flexible substrates. The potential of our technology is enormous. Many wearable and implantable devices can be developed based on this technology.

Flow-through electroporation based on constant voltage for large-volume transfection of cells.

PubMed

Geng, Tao; Zhan, Yihong; Wang, Hsiang-Yu; Witting, Scott R; Cornetta, Kenneth G; Lu, Chang

2010-05-21

Genetic modification of cells is a critical step involved in many cell therapy and gene therapy protocols. In these applications, cell samples of large volume (10(8)-10(9)cells) are often processed for transfection. This poses new challenges for current transfection methods and practices. Here we present a novel flow-through electroporation method for delivery of genes into cells at high flow rates (up to approximately 20 mL/min) based on disposable microfluidic chips, a syringe pump, and a low-cost direct current (DC) power supply that provides a constant voltage. By eliminating pulse generators used in conventional electroporation, we dramatically lowered the cost of the apparatus and improved the stability and consistency of the electroporation field for long-time operation. We tested the delivery of pEFGP-C1 plasmids encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells in the devices of various dimensions and geometries. Cells were mixed with plasmids and then flowed through a fluidic channel continuously while a constant voltage was established across the device. Together with the applied voltage, the geometry and dimensions of the fluidic channel determined the electrical parameters of the electroporation. With the optimal design, approximately 75% of the viable CHO cells were transfected after the procedure. We also generalize the guidelines for scaling up these flow-through electroporation devices. We envision that this technique will serve as a generic and low-cost tool for a variety of clinical applications requiring large volume of transfected cells. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Creating fast flow channels in paper fluidic devices to control timing of sequential reactions.

PubMed

Jahanshahi-Anbuhi, Sana; Chavan, Puneet; Sicard, Clémence; Leung, Vincent; Hossain, S M Zakir; Pelton, Robert; Brennan, John D; Filipe, Carlos D M

2012-12-07

This paper reports the development of a method to control the flow rate of fluids within paper-based microfluidic analytical devices. We demonstrate that by simply sandwiching paper channels between two flexible films, it is possible to accelerate the flow of water through paper by over 10-fold. The dynamics of this process are such that the height of the liquid is dependent on time to the power of 1/3. This dependence was validated using three different flexible films (with markedly different contact angles) and three different fluids (water and two silicon oils with different viscosities). These covered channels provide a low-cost method for controlling the flow rate of fluid in paper channels, and can be added following printing of reagents to control fluid flow in selected fluidic channels. Using this method, we redesigned a previously published bidirectional lateral flow pesticide sensor to allow more rapid detection of pesticides while eliminating the need to run the assay in two stages. The sensor is fabricated with sol-gel entrapped reagents (indoxyl acetate in a substrate zone and acetylcholinesterase, AChE, in a sensing zone) present in an uncovered "slow" flow channel, with a second, covered "fast" channel used to transport pesticide samples to the sensing region through a simple paper-flap valve. In this manner, pesticides reach the sensing region first to allow preincubation, followed by delivery of the substrate to generate a colorimetric signal. This format results in a uni-directional device that detects the presence of pesticides two times faster than the original bidirectional sensors.

Study of flow structure in a four-vortex furnace model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anufriev, I. S.; Sharypov, O. V.; Dekterev, A. A.; Shadrin, E. Yu.; Papulov, A. P.

2017-11-01

The flow pattern was studied for a four-vortex furnace of a coal-dust boiler. The paper presents results of experimental study of inner aerodynamics performed on a lab-scale isothermal model of the furnace device. The PIV method was used to receive the flow velocity fields for several cross sections. The analysis was performed for the spatial structure of the flow comprising four stable closed vortices with vertical axes of flow swirling.

Alternative method for variable aspect ratio vias using a vortex mask

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schepis, Anthony R.; Levinson, Zac; Burbine, Andrew; Smith, Bruce W.

2014-03-01

Historically IC (integrated circuit) device scaling has bridged the gap between technology nodes. Device size reduction is enabled by increased pattern density, enhancing functionality and effectively reducing cost per chip. Exemplifying this trend are aggressive reductions in memory cell sizes that have resulted in systems with diminishing area between bit/word lines. This affords an even greater challenge in the patterning of contact level features that are inherently difficult to resolve because of their relatively small area and complex aerial image. To accommodate these trends, semiconductor device design has shifted toward the implementation of elliptical contact features. This empowers designers to maximize the use of free device space, preserving contact area and effectively reducing the via dimension just along a single axis. It is therefore critical to provide methods that enhance the resolving capacity of varying aspect ratio vias for implementation in electronic design systems. Vortex masks, characterized by their helically induced propagation of light and consequent dark core, afford great potential for the patterning of such features when coupled with a high resolution negative tone resist system. This study investigates the integration of a vortex mask in a 193nm immersion (193i) lithography system and qualifies its ability to augment aspect ratio through feature density using aerial image vector simulation. It was found that vortex fabricated vias provide a distinct resolution advantage over traditionally patterned contact features employing a 6% attenuated phase shift mask (APM). 1:1 features were resolvable at 110nm pitch with a 38nm critical dimension (CD) and 110nm depth of focus (DOF) at 10% exposure latitude (EL). Furthermore, iterative source-mask optimization was executed as means to augment aspect ratio. By employing mask asymmetries and directionally biased sources aspect ratios ranging between 1:1 and 2:1 were achievable, however, this range is ultimately dictated by pitch employed.

Surface plasmon polaritons generated by radial polarized laser beam on silver nano-ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozlova, Elena S.; Kotlyar, Victor V.

2017-04-01

In this work the single surface plasmon-polariton was obtained by using frequency-dependent finite difference time domain method for the radial polarized and vortex beams at 532 nm, which were propagating through the silver nanoring on substrate from silica glass, placed in an aqueous medium. The height and width of device were equal to 20 nm and 215 nm respectively. The intensity of surface plasmon-polariton was four times higher and three times higher the intensity of the incident radiation for case of conventional and vortex beams respectively. The full width at half maximum of the nanojet was near 160 nm for each cases. The presented design can be used for manufacturing of highly integrated optical devices and circuits used in high-speed communication applications. The results also can be used to design devices that allow capturing and moving the particles in water or other biofluidics.

Tunable quasiparticle trapping in Meissner and vortex states of mesoscopic superconductors.

PubMed

Taupin, M; Khaymovich, I M; Meschke, M; Mel'nikov, A S; Pekola, J P

2016-03-16

Nowadays, superconductors serve in numerous applications, from high-field magnets to ultrasensitive detectors of radiation. Mesoscopic superconducting devices, referring to those with nanoscale dimensions, are in a special position as they are easily driven out of equilibrium under typical operating conditions. The out-of-equilibrium superconductors are characterized by non-equilibrium quasiparticles. These extra excitations can compromise the performance of mesoscopic devices by introducing, for example, leakage currents or decreased coherence time in quantum devices. By applying an external magnetic field, one can conveniently suppress or redistribute the population of excess quasiparticles. In this article, we present an experimental demonstration and a theoretical analysis of such effective control of quasiparticles, resulting in electron cooling both in the Meissner and vortex states of a mesoscopic superconductor. We introduce a theoretical model of quasiparticle dynamics, which is in quantitative agreement with the experimental data.

Tunable quasiparticle trapping in Meissner and vortex states of mesoscopic superconductors

PubMed Central

Taupin, M.; Khaymovich, I. M.; Meschke, M.; Mel'nikov, A. S.; Pekola, J. P.

2016-01-01

Nowadays, superconductors serve in numerous applications, from high-field magnets to ultrasensitive detectors of radiation. Mesoscopic superconducting devices, referring to those with nanoscale dimensions, are in a special position as they are easily driven out of equilibrium under typical operating conditions. The out-of-equilibrium superconductors are characterized by non-equilibrium quasiparticles. These extra excitations can compromise the performance of mesoscopic devices by introducing, for example, leakage currents or decreased coherence time in quantum devices. By applying an external magnetic field, one can conveniently suppress or redistribute the population of excess quasiparticles. In this article, we present an experimental demonstration and a theoretical analysis of such effective control of quasiparticles, resulting in electron cooling both in the Meissner and vortex states of a mesoscopic superconductor. We introduce a theoretical model of quasiparticle dynamics, which is in quantitative agreement with the experimental data. PMID:26980225

Switching by Domain-Wall Automotion in Asymmetric Ferromagnetic Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mawass, Mohamad-Assaad; Richter, Kornel; Bisig, Andre; Reeve, Robert M.; Krüger, Benjamin; Weigand, Markus; Stoll, Hermann; Krone, Andrea; Kronast, Florian; Schütz, Gisela; Kläui, Mathias

2017-04-01

Spintronic applications based on magnetic domain-wall (DW) motion, such as magnetic data storage, sensors, and logic devices, require approaches to reliably manipulate the magnetization in nanowires. In this paper, we report the direct dynamic experimental visualization of reliable switching from the onion to the vortex state by DW automotion at zero field in asymmetric ferromagnetic rings using a uniaxial field pulse. Employing time-resolved x-ray microscopy, we demonstrate that depending on the detailed spin structure of the DWs and the size and geometry of the rings, the automotive propagation can be tailored during the DW relaxation from the higher-energy onion state to the energetically favored vortex state, where both DWs annihilate. Our measurements show DW automotion with an average velocity of about 60 m /s , which is a significant speed for spintronic devices. Such motion is mostly governed by local forces resulting from the geometry variations in the device. A closer study of the annihilation process via micromagnetic simulations reveals that a new vortex is nucleated in between the two initial walls. We demonstrate that the annihilation of DWs through automotion in our scheme always occurs with the detailed topological nature of the walls influencing only the DW dynamics on a local scale. The simulations show good quantitative agreement with our experimental results. These findings shed light on a robust and reliable switching process of the onion state in ferromagnetic rings, which paves the way for further optimization of these devices.

Astigmatism and defocus wavefront correction via Zernike modes produced with fluidic lenses

PubMed Central

Marks, Randall; Mathine, David L.; Schwiegerling, Jim; Peyman, Gholam; Peyghambarian, Nasser

2010-01-01

Fluidic lenses have been developed for ophthalmic applications with continuously varying optical powers for second order Zernike modes. Continuously varying corrections for both myopic and hyperopic defocus have been demonstrated over a range of three diopters using a fluidic lens with a circular retaining aperture. Likewise, a six diopter range of astigmatism has been continuously corrected using fluidic lenses with rectangular apertures. Imaging results have been characterized using a model eye. PMID:19571912

Achievement of high diode sensitivity via spin torque-induced resonant expulsion in vortex magnetic tunnel junction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsunegi, Sumito; Taniguchi, Tomohiro; Yakushiji, Kay; Fukushima, Akio; Yuasa, Shinji; Kubota, Hitoshi

2018-05-01

We investigated the spin-torque diode effect in a magnetic tunnel junction with FeB free layer. Vortex-core expulsion was observed near the boundary between vortex and uniform states. A high diode voltage of 24 mV was obtained with alternative input power of 0.3 µW, corresponding to huge diode sensitivity of 80,000 mV/mW. In the expulsion region, a broad peak in the high frequency region was observed, which is attributed to the weak excitation of uniform magnetization by thermal noise. The high diode sensitivity is of great importance for device applications such as telecommunications, radar detectors, and high-speed magnetic-field sensors.

Vortex Generators to Control Boundary Layer Interactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Babinsky, Holger (Inventor); Loth, Eric (Inventor); Lee, Sang (Inventor)

2014-01-01

Devices for generating streamwise vorticity in a boundary includes various forms of vortex generators. One form of a split-ramp vortex generator includes a first ramp element and a second ramp element with front ends and back ends, ramp surfaces extending between the front ends and the back ends, and vertical surfaces extending between the front ends and the back ends adjacent the ramp surfaces. A flow channel is between the first ramp element and the second ramp element. The back ends of the ramp elements have a height greater than a height of the front ends, and the front ends of the ramp elements have a width greater than a width of the back ends.

Generating and Separating Twisted Light by gradient-rotation Split-Ring Antenna Metasurfaces.

PubMed

Zeng, Jinwei; Li, Ling; Yang, Xiaodong; Gao, Jie

2016-05-11

Nanoscale compact optical vortex generators promise substantially significant prospects in modern optics and photonics, leading to many advances in sensing, imaging, quantum communication, and optical manipulation. However, conventional vortex generators often suffer from bulky size, low vortex mode purity in the converted beam, or limited operation bandwidth. Here, we design and demonstrate gradient-rotation split-ring antenna metasurfaces as unique spin-to-orbital angular momentum beam converters to simultaneously generate and separate pure optical vortices in a broad wavelength range. Our proposed design has the potential for realizing miniaturized on-chip OAM-multiplexers, as well as enabling new types of metasurface devices for the manipulation of complex structured light beams.

Numerical analysis of a fluidic oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoettges, Stefan; Schenkel, Torsten; Oertel, Herbert

2010-11-01

The technology of fluid logic or fluidic has its origins in 1959 when scientists were looking for alternatives to electronics to realize measuring or automatic control tasks. In recent years interest in fluidic components has been renewed. Possible applications of fluidic oscillators have been tested in flow control, to reduce or eliminate separation regions, to avoid resonance noise in the flow past cavities, to improve combustion processes or for efficient cooling of turbine blades or electronic components. The oscillatory motion of the jet is achieved only by suitable shaping of the nozzle geometry and fluid-dynamic interactions, hence no moving components or external sources of energy are necessary. Therefore fluidic oscillators can be used in extreme environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, aggressive media or within electromagnetic fields. In the present study the working principle of the fluidic oscillator has been identified using three-dimensional unsteady RANS simulations and stability analysis. The numerical models used have been validated successfully against experimental data. Furthermore the effects of changes in inlet velocity, geometry and working fluid on the oscillation frequency have been investigated. Based on the results a new dimensionless number has been derived in order to characterize the unsteady behavior of the fluidic oscillator.

Vortex-slip transitions in superconducting a-NbGe mesoscopic channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kokubo, N.; Sorop, T. G.; Besseling, R.; Kes, P. H.

2006-06-01

Intriguing and novel physical aspects related to the vortex flow dynamics have been recently observed in mesoscopic channel devices of a-NbGe with NbN channel edges. In this work we have systematically studied the flow properties of vortices confined in such mesoscopic channels as a function of the magnetic field history, using dc-transport and mode-locking (ML) measurements. As opposed to the field-down situation, in the field-up case a kink anomaly in the dc I-V curves is detected. The mode-locking measurements reveal that this anomaly is, in fact, a flow induced vortex slip transition: by increasing the external drive (either dc or ac) a sudden change occurs from n to n+2 moving vortex rows in the channel. The observed features can be explained in terms of an interplay between field focusing due to screening currents and a change in the predominant pinning mechanism.

Aircraft vortex marking program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pompa, M. F.

1979-01-01

A simple, reliable device for identifying atmospheric vortices, principally as generated by in-flight aircraft and with emphasis on the use of nonpolluting aerosols for marking by injection into such vortex (-ices) is presented. The refractive index and droplet size were determined from an analysis of aerosol optical and transport properties as the most significant parameters in effecting vortex optimum light scattering (for visual sighting) and visual persistency of at least 300 sec. The analysis also showed that a steam-ejected tetraethylene glycol aerosol with droplet size near 1 micron and refractive index of approximately 1.45 could be a promising candidate for vortex marking. A marking aerosol was successfully generated with the steam-tetraethylene glycol mixture from breadboard system hardware. A compact 25 lb/f thrust (nominal) H2O2 rocket chamber was the key component of the system which produced the required steam by catalytic decomposition of the supplied H2O2.

Spin transfer driven resonant expulsion of a magnetic vortex core for efficient rf detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menshawy, S.; Jenkins, A. S.; Merazzo, K. J.; Vila, L.; Ferreira, R.; Cyrille, M.-C.; Ebels, U.; Bortolotti, P.; Kermorvant, J.; Cros, V.

2017-05-01

Spin transfer magnetization dynamics have led to considerable advances in Spintronics, including opportunities for new nanoscale radiofrequency devices. Among the new functionalities is the radiofrequency (rf) detection using the spin diode rectification effect in spin torque nano-oscillators (STNOs). In this study, we focus on a new phenomenon, the resonant expulsion of a magnetic vortex in STNOs. This effect is observed when the excitation vortex radius, due to spin torques associated to rf currents, becomes larger than the actual radius of the STNO. This vortex expulsion is leading to a sharp variation of the voltage at the resonant frequency. Here we show that the detected frequency can be tuned by different parameters; furthermore, a simultaneous detection of different rf signals can be achieved by real time measurements with several STNOs having different diameters. This result constitutes a first proof-of-principle towards the development of a new kind of nanoscale rf threshold detector.

Interactions and scattering of quantum vortices in a polariton fluid.

PubMed

Dominici, Lorenzo; Carretero-González, Ricardo; Gianfrate, Antonio; Cuevas-Maraver, Jesús; Rodrigues, Augusto S; Frantzeskakis, Dimitri J; Lerario, Giovanni; Ballarini, Dario; De Giorgi, Milena; Gigli, Giuseppe; Kevrekidis, Panayotis G; Sanvitto, Daniele

2018-04-13

Quantum vortices, the quantized version of classical vortices, play a prominent role in superfluid and superconductor phase transitions. However, their exploration at a particle level in open quantum systems has gained considerable attention only recently. Here we study vortex pair interactions in a resonant polariton fluid created in a solid-state microcavity. By tracking the vortices on picosecond time scales, we reveal the role of nonlinearity, as well as of density and phase gradients, in driving their rotational dynamics. Such effects are also responsible for the split of composite spin-vortex molecules into elementary half-vortices, when seeding opposite vorticity between the two spinorial components. Remarkably, we also observe that vortices placed in close proximity experience a pull-push scenario leading to unusual scattering-like events that can be described by a tunable effective potential. Understanding vortex interactions can be useful in quantum hydrodynamics and in the development of vortex-based lattices, gyroscopes, and logic devices.

Generation of topologically diverse acoustic vortex beams using a compact metamaterial aperture

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Naify, Christina J., E-mail: christina.naify@nrl.navy.mil; Rohde, Charles A.; Martin, Theodore P.

2016-05-30

Here, we present a class of metamaterial-based acoustic vortex generators which are both geometrically simple and broadly tunable. The aperture overcomes the significant limitations of both active phasing systems and existing passive coded apertures. The metamaterial approach generates topologically diverse acoustic vortex waves motivated by recent advances in leaky wave antennas by wrapping the antenna back upon itself to produce an acoustic vortex wave antenna. We demonstrate both experimentally and analytically that this single analog structure is capable of creating multiple orthogonal orbital angular momentum modes using only a single transducer. The metamaterial design makes the aperture compact, with amore » diameter nearly equal to the excitation wavelength and can thus be easily integrated into high-density systems. Applications range from acoustic communications for high bit-rate multiplexing to biomedical devices such as microfluidic mixers.« less

Magnetic gates and guides for superconducting vortices

DOE PAGES

Vlasko-Vlasov, V. K.; Colauto, F.; Buzdin, A. I.; ...

2017-04-04

Here, we image the motion of superconducting vortices in niobium film covered with a regular array of thin permalloy stripes. By altering the magnetization orientation in the stripes using a small in-plane magnetic field, we can tune the strength of interactions between vortices and the stripe edges, enabling acceleration or retardation of the superconducting vortices in the sample and consequently introducing strong tunable anisotropy into the vortex dynamics. We discuss our observations in terms of the attraction/repulsion between point magnetic charges carried by vortices and lines of magnetic charges at the stripe edges, and derive analytical formulas for the vortex-magneticmore » stripes coupling. Our approach demonstrates the analogy between the vortex motion regulated by the magnetic stripe array and electric carrier flow in gated semiconducting devices. Scaling down the geometrical features of the proposed design may enable controlled manipulation of single vortices, paving the way for Abrikosov vortex microcircuits and memories.« less

Magnetic gates and guides for superconducting vortices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vlasko-Vlasov, V. K.; Colauto, F.; Buzdin, A. I.

Here, we image the motion of superconducting vortices in niobium film covered with a regular array of thin permalloy stripes. By altering the magnetization orientation in the stripes using a small in-plane magnetic field, we can tune the strength of interactions between vortices and the stripe edges, enabling acceleration or retardation of the superconducting vortices in the sample and consequently introducing strong tunable anisotropy into the vortex dynamics. We discuss our observations in terms of the attraction/repulsion between point magnetic charges carried by vortices and lines of magnetic charges at the stripe edges, and derive analytical formulas for the vortex-magneticmore » stripes coupling. Our approach demonstrates the analogy between the vortex motion regulated by the magnetic stripe array and electric carrier flow in gated semiconducting devices. Scaling down the geometrical features of the proposed design may enable controlled manipulation of single vortices, paving the way for Abrikosov vortex microcircuits and memories.« less

A fluidics-based impact sensor

PubMed Central

Takahashi, Daigo; Hara, Keisuke; Okano, Taiji

2018-01-01

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based high-performance accelerometers are ubiquitously used in various electronic devices. However, there is an existing need to detect physical impacts using low-cost devices with no electronic circuits or a battery. We designed and fabricated an impact sensor prototype using a commercial stereolithography apparatus that only consists of a plastic housing and working fluids. The sensor device responds to the instantaneous acceleration (impact) by deformation and pinch off of a water droplet that is suspended in oil in a sensor cavity. We tested the various geometrical and physical parameters of the impact sensor to identify their relations to threshold acceleration values. We show that the state diagram that is plotted against the dimensionless Archimedes and Bond numbers adequately describes the response of the proposed sensor. PMID:29634750

Fabrication of microfluidic architectures for optimal flow rate and concentration measurement for lab on chip application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adam, Tijjani; Hashim, U.

2017-03-01

Optimum flow in micro channel for sensing purpose is challenging. In this study, The optimizations of the fluid sample flows are made through the design and characterization of the novel microfluidics' architectures to achieve the optimal flow rate in the micro channels. The biocompatibility of the Polydimetylsiloxane (Sylgard 184 silicon elastomer) polymer used to fabricate the device offers avenue for the device to be implemented as the universal fluidic delivery system for bio-molecules sensing in various bio-medical applications. The study uses the following methodological approaches, designing a novel microfluidics' architectures by integrating the devices on a single 4 inches silicon substrate, fabricating the designed microfluidic devices using low-cost solution soft lithography technique, characterizing and validating the flow throughput of urine samples in the micro channels by generating pressure gradients through the devices' inlets. The characterization on the urine samples flow in the micro channels have witnessed the constant flow throughout the devices.

Measurements of a Separating Turbulent Boundary Layer.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-04-01

due to an adverse I pressure gradient is an important factor in the design of many devices such as jet engines, rocket nozzles, airfoils and helicopter...blades, and the design of fluidic logic systems. Until the last five years little quantitative experi- mental information was available on the flow...i| I M6 FIGURE 60 (A). e/U-61 AT THEMAxIMUM SEARING STRESS LOCATION: & , EPERIMENTAL DATA.A, CORRELATION USING EON. (39) A SOLID LINE StoS VALUE AT

Three-dimensional printing-based electro-millifluidic devices for fabricating multi-compartment particles.

PubMed

Chen, Qiu Lan; Liu, Zhou; Shum, Ho Cheung

2014-11-01

In this work, we demonstrate the use of stereolithographic 3D printing to fabricate millifluidic devices, which are used to engineer particles with multiple compartments. As the 3D design is directly transferred to the actual prototype, this method accommodates 3D millimeter-scaled features that are difficult to achieve by either lithographic-based microfabrication or traditional macrofabrication techniques. We exploit this approach to produce millifluidic networks to deliver multiple fluidic components. By taking advantage of the laminar flow, the fluidic components can form liquid jets with distinct patterns, and each pattern has clear boundaries between the liquid phases. Afterwards, droplets with controlled size are fabricated by spraying the liquid jet in an electric field, and subsequently converted to particles after a solidification step. As a demonstration, we fabricate calcium alginate particles with structures of (1) slice-by-slice multiple lamellae, (2) concentric core-shells, and (3) petals surrounding the particle centers. Furthermore, distinct hybrid particles combining two or more of the above structures are also obtained. These compartmentalized particles impart spatially dependent functionalities and properties. To show their applicability, various ingredients, including fruit juices, drugs, and magnetic nanoparticles are encapsulated in the different compartments as proof-of-concepts for applications, including food, drug delivery, and bioassays. Our 3D printed electro-millifluidic approach represents a convenient and robust method to extend the range of structures of functional particles.

Evaluation and refinement of a field-portable drinking water toxicity sensor utilizing electric cell-substrate impedance sensing and a fluidic biochip.

PubMed

Widder, Mark W; Brennan, Linda M; Hanft, Elizabeth A; Schrock, Mary E; James, Ryan R; van der Schalie, William H

2015-07-01

The US Army's need for a reliable and field-portable drinking water toxicity sensor was the catalyst for the development and evaluation of an electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) device. Water testing technologies currently available to soldiers in the field are analyte-specific and have limited capabilities to detect broad-based water toxicity. The ECIS sensor described here uses rainbow trout gill epithelial cells seeded on fluidic biochips to measure changes in impedance for the detection of possible chemical contamination of drinking water supplies. Chemicals selected for testing were chosen as representatives of a broad spectrum of toxic industrial compounds. Results of a US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)-sponsored evaluation of the field portable device were similar to previously published US Army testing results of a laboratory-based version of the same technology. Twelve of the 18 chemicals tested following USEPA Technology Testing and Evaluation Program procedures were detected by the ECIS sensor within 1 h at USEPA-derived human lethal concentrations. To simplify field-testing methods further, elimination of a procedural step that acclimated cells to serum-free media streamlined the test process with only a slight loss of chemical sensitivity. For field use, the ECIS sensor will be used in conjunction with an enzyme-based sensor that is responsive to carbamate and organophosphorus pesticides. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

DEVELOPMENT OF A PROPORTIONAL SAMPLER FOR AUTOMOBILE EXHAUST EMISSIONS TESTING

EPA Science Inventory

The report describes the development of a device that is capable of sampling gaseous emissions from automobiles. The device samples exhaust gases at a mass rate that is proportional to the total exhaust gas mass flow rate, which is measured using an ultrasonic vortex flowmeter. T...

A PIV Study of Slotted Air Injection for Jet Noise Reduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henderson, Brenda S.; Wernet, Mark P.

2012-01-01

Results from acoustic and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements are presented for single and dual-stream jets with fluidic injection on the core stream. The fluidic injection nozzles delivered air to the jet through slots on the interior of the nozzle at the nozzle trailing edge. The investigations include subsonic and supersonic jet conditions. Reductions in broadband shock noise and low frequency mixing noise were obtained with the introduction of fluidic injection on single stream jets. Fluidic injection was found to eliminate shock cells, increase jet mixing, and reduce turbulent kinetic energy levels near the end of the potential core. For dual-stream subsonic jets, the introduction of fluidic injection reduced low frequency noise in the peak jet noise direction and enhanced jet mixing. For dual-stream jets with supersonic fan streams and subsonic core streams, the introduction of fluidic injection in the core stream impacted the jet shock cell structure but had little effect on mixing between the core and fan streams.

Output from Linear Generator for VIV-driven Buoys

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

demonstration of VIV-based energy harvesting was accomplished by Bernitsas of Vortex Hydro Energy and their Vortex Induced Vibration Aquatic Clean Energy...the total actuation distance of the force input device was limited to 2.75 inches, a lever arm amplified the stroke input by 4.93X to raise the...magnet plunger ±6.78 inches above and below the horizontal axis (total 13.56-inch stroke distance). The magnet plunger served to drive two 2-inch

Inertial migration of particles in Taylor-Couette flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majji, Madhu V.; Morris, Jeffrey F.

2018-03-01

An experimental study of inertial migration of neutrally buoyant particles in the circular Couette flow (CCF), Taylor vortex flow (TVF) and wavy vortex flow (WVF) is reported. This work considers a concentric cylinder Taylor-Couette device with a stationary outer cylinder and rotating inner cylinder. The device has a radius ratio of η = ri/ro = 0.877, where ri and ro are the inner and outer radii of the flow annulus. The ratio of the annular width between the cylinders (δ = ro - ri) and the particle diameter (dp) is α = δ/dp = 20. For η = 0.877, the flow of a Newtonian fluid undergoes transitions from CCF to TVF and TVF to WVF at Reynolds numbers Re = 120 and 151, respectively, and for the dilute suspensions studied here, these critical Reynolds numbers are almost unchanged. In CCF, particles were observed to migrate, due to the competition between the shear gradient of the flow and the wall interactions, to an equilibrium location near the middle of the annulus with an offset toward the inner cylinder. In TVF, the vortex motion causes the particles to be exposed to the shear gradient and wall interactions in a different manner, resulting in a circular equilibrium region in each vortex. The radius of this circular region grows with increase in Re. In WVF, the azimuthal waviness results in fairly well-distributed particles across the annulus.

Microfluidic chemostat and turbidostat with flow rate, oxygen, and temperature control for dynamic continuous culture.

PubMed

Lee, Kevin S; Boccazzi, Paolo; Sinskey, Anthony J; Ram, Rajeev J

2011-05-21

This work reports on an instrument capable of supporting automated microscale continuous culture experiments. The instrument consists of a plastic-PDMS device capable of continuous flow without volume drift or evaporation. We apply direct computer controlled machining and chemical bonding fabrication for production of fluidic devices with a 1 mL working volume, high oxygen transfer rate (k(L)a≈0.025 s(-1)), fast mixing (2 s), accurate flow control (±18 nL), and closed loop control over temperature, cell density, dissolved oxygen, and pH. Integrated peristaltic pumps and valves provide control over input concentrations and allow the system to perform different types of cell culture on a single device, such as batch, chemostat, and turbidostat continuous cultures. Continuous cultures are demonstrated without contamination for 3 weeks in a single device and both steady state and dynamically controlled conditions are possible. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

Separation control with fluidic oscillators in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, H.-J.; Woszidlo, R.; Nayeri, C. N.; Paschereit, C. O.

2017-08-01

The present study assesses the applicability of fluidic oscillators for separation control in water. The first part of this work evaluates the properties of the fluidic oscillators including frequency, cavitation effects, and exerted thrust. Derived from the governing internal dynamics, the oscillation frequency is found to scale directly with the jet's exit velocity and the size of the fluidic oscillator independent of the working fluid. Frequency data from various experiments collapse onto a single curve. The occurrence of cavitation is examined by visual inspection and hydrophone measurements. The oscillation frequency is not affected by cavitation because it does not occur inside the oscillators. The spectral information obtained with the hydrophone provide a reliable indicator for the onset of cavitation at the exit. The performance of the fluidic oscillators for separation control on a bluff body does not seem to be affected by the presence of cavitation. The thrust exerted by an array of fluidic oscillators with water as the working fluid is measured to be even larger than theoretically estimated values. The second part of the presented work compares the performance of fluidic oscillators for separation control in water with previous results in air. The array of fluidic oscillators is installed into the rear end of a bluff body model. The drag improvements based on force balance measurements agree well with previous wind tunnel experiments on the same model. The flow field is examined by pressure measurements and with particle image velocimetry. Similar performance and flow field characteristics are observed in both water and air.

Investigation of the Vortex States of Sr2RuO4-Ru Eutectic Microplates Using DC-SQUIDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakuma, Daisuke; Nago, Yusuke; Ishiguro, Ryosuke; Kashiwaya, Satoshi; Nomura, Shintaro; Kono, Kimitoshi; Maeno, Yoshiteru; Takayanagi, Hideaki

2017-11-01

We investigated the magnetic properties of a Sr2RuO4-Ru eutectic microplate containing a single Ru-inclusion using micrometer-sized DC-SQUIDs (direct-current superconducting quantum interference devices). A phase frustration at the interface between chiral p-wave superconducting Sr2RuO4 and s-wave superconducting Ru is expected to cause novel magnetic vortex states such as the spontaneous Ru-center vortex under zero magnetic field [as reported by H. Kaneyasu and M. Sigrist, J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 79, 053706 (2010)]. Our experimental results show no positive evidence for such a spontaneous vortex state. However, in an applied field, an abrupt change in the magnetic flux distribution was observed at a superconducting transition of Ru. The flux distribution is clarified by comparing our experimental results with electromagnetic field simulations in our sample geometry. We discuss the transition of the vortex states and the superconducting coupling at the Sr2RuO4/Ru interface.

Experimental Nanofluidics in an individual Nanotube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siria, Alessandro; Poncharal, Philippe; Biance, Anne Laure; Fulcrand, Remy; Purcell, Stephen; Bocquet, Lyderic

2012-11-01

Building new devices that benefit from the strange transport behavior of fluids at nanoscales is an open and worthy challenge that may lead to new scientific and technological paradigms. We present here a new class of nanofluidic device, made of individual Boron-Nitride (BN) nanotube inserted in a pierced membrane and connecting two macroscopic reservoirs. We explore fluidic transport inside a single BN nanotube under electric fields, pressure drops, chemical gradients, and combinations of these. We show that in this transmembrane geometry, the pressure-driven streaming current is voltage gated, with an apparent electro-osmotic zeta potential raising up to one volt. Further, we measured the current induced by ion concentration gradients and show its dependency on the surface charge.

Fabrication and magnetic control of bacteria-inspired robotic microswimmers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheang, U. Kei; Roy, Dheeraj; Lee, Jun Hee; Kim, Min Jun

2010-11-01

A biomimetic, microscale system using the mechanics of swimming bacteria has been fabricated and controlled in a low Reynolds number fluidic environment. The microswimmer consists of a polystyrene microbead conjugated to a magnetic nanoparticle via a flagellar filament using avidin-biotin linkages. The flagellar filaments were isolated from the bacterium, Salmonella typhimurium. Propulsion energy was supplied by an external rotating magnetic field designed in an approximate Helmholtz configuration. Further, the finite element analysis software, COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS, was used to develop a simulation of the robotic devices within the magnetic controller. The robotic microswimmers exhibited flagellar propulsion in two-dimensional magnetic fields, which demonstrate controllability of the biomimetically designed devices for future biomedical applications.

Recent advancements in ion concentration polarization.

PubMed

Li, Min; Anand, Robbyn K

2016-06-21

In this minireview, we discuss advancements in ion concentration polarization (ICP)-based preconcentration, separation, desalination, and dielectrophoresis that have been made over the past three years. ICP as a means of controlling the distribution of the ions and electric field in a microfluidic device has rapidly expanded its areas of application. Recent advancements have focused on the development of ion-permselective materials with tunable dimensions and surface chemistry, adaptation to paper microfluidics, higher-throughput device geometries, and coupling ICP with other separation (isotachophoresis and dielectrophoresis) and fluidic (valve and droplet microfluidic) strategies. These studies have made great strides toward solving real-world problems such as low-cost and rapid analysis, accessible desalination technology, and single-cell research tools.

Summary of Fluidic Thrust Vectoring Research Conducted at NASA Langley Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deere, Karen A.

2003-01-01

Interest in low-observable aircraft and in lowering an aircraft's exhaust system weight sparked decades of research for fixed geometry exhaust nozzles. The desire for such integrated exhaust nozzles was the catalyst for new fluidic control techniques; including throat area control, expansion control, and thrust-vector angle control. This paper summarizes a variety of fluidic thrust vectoring concepts that have been tested both experimentally and computationally at NASA Langley Research Center. The nozzle concepts are divided into three categories according to the method used for fluidic thrust vectoring: the shock vector control method, the throat shifting method, and the counterflow method. This paper explains the thrust vectoring mechanism for each fluidic method, provides examples of configurations tested for each method, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Impact of Fluidic Chevrons on Supersonic Jet Noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henderson, Brenda; Norum, Thomas

2007-01-01

The impact of fluidic chevrons on broadband shock noise and mixing noise for single stream and coannular jets was investigated. Air was injected into the core flow of a bypass ratio 5 nozzle system using a core fluidic chevron nozzle. For the single stream experiments, the fan stream was operated at the wind tunnel conditions and the core stream was operated at supersonic speeds. For the dual stream experiments, the fan stream was operated at supersonic speeds and the core stream was varied between subsonic and supersonic conditions. For the single stream jet at nozzle pressure ratio (NPR) below 2.0, increasing the injection pressure of the fluidic chevron increased high frequency noise at observation angles upstream of the nozzle exit and decreased mixing noise near the peak jet noise angle. When the NPR increased to a point where broadband shock noise dominated the acoustic spectra at upstream observation angles, the fluidic chevrons significantly decreased this noise. For dual stream jets, the fluidic chevrons reduced broadband shock noise levels when the fan NPR was below 2.3, but had little or no impact on shock noise with further increases in fan pressure. For all fan stream conditions investigated, the fluidic chevron became more effective at reducing mixing noise near the peak jet noise angle as the core pressure increased.

Model-based observer and feedback control design for a rigid Joukowski foil in a Kármán vortex street.

PubMed

Free, Brian A; Paley, Derek A

2018-03-14

Obstacles and swimming fish in flow create a wake with an alternating left/right vortex pattern known as a Kármán vortex street and reverse Kármán vortex street, respectively. An energy-efficient fish behavior resembling slaloming through the vortex street is called Kármán gaiting. This paper describes the use of a bioinspired array of pressure sensors on a Joukowski foil to estimate and control flow-relative position in a Kármán vortex street using potential flow theory, recursive Bayesian filtering, and trajectory-tracking feedback control. The Joukowski foil is fixed in downstream position in a flowing water channel and free to move on air bearings in the cross-stream direction by controlling its angle of attack to generate lift. Inspired by the lateral-line neuromasts found in fish, the sensing and control scheme is validated using off-the-shelf pressure sensors in an experimental testbed that includes a flapping device to create vortices. We derive a potential flow model that describes the flow over a Joukowski foil in a Kármán vortex street and identify an optimal path through a Kármán vortex street using empirical observability. The optimally observable trajectory is one that passes through each vortex in the street. The estimated vorticity and location of the Kármán vortex street are used in a closed-loop control to track either the optimally observable path or the energetically efficient gait exhibited by fish. Results from the closed-loop control experiments in the flow tank show that the artificial lateral line in conjunction with a potential flow model and Bayesian estimator allow the robot to perform fish-like slaloming behavior in a Kármán vortex street. This work is a precursor to an autonomous robotic fish sensing the wake of another fish and/or performing pursuit and schooling behavior.

Experimental evidence of inter-blade cavitation vortex development in Francis turbines at deep part load condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, K.; Müller, A.; Favrel, A.; Avellan, F.

2017-10-01

Francis turbines are subject to various types of cavitation flow depending on the operating condition. To enable a smooth integration of the renewable energy sources, hydraulic machines are now increasingly required to extend their operating range, especially down to extremely low discharge conditions called deep part load operation. The inter-blade cavitation vortex is a typical cavitation phenomenon observed at deep part load operation. However, its dynamic characteristics are insufficiently understood today. In an objective of revealing its characteristics, the present study introduces a novel visualization technique with instrumented guide vanes embedding the visualization devices, providing unprecedented views on the inter-blade cavitation vortex. The binary image processing technique enables the successful evaluation of the inter-blade cavitation vortex in the images. As a result, it is shown that the probability of the inter-blade cavitation development is significantly high close to the runner hub. Furthermore, the mean vortex line is calculated and the vortex region is estimated in the three-dimensional domain for the comparison with numerical simulation results. In addition, the on-board pressure measurements on a runner blade is conducted, and the influence of the inter-blade vortex on the pressure field is investigated. The analysis suggests that the presence of the inter-blade vortex can magnify the amplitude of pressure fluctuations especially on the blade suction side. Furthermore, the wall pressure difference between pressure and suction sides of the blade features partially low or negative values near the hub at the discharge region where the inter-blade vortex develops. This negative pressure difference on the blade wall suggests the development of a backflow region caused by the flow separation near the hub, which is closely related to the development of the inter-blade vortex. The development of the backflow region is confirmed by the numerical simulation, and the physical mechanisms of the inter-blade vortex development is, furthermore, discussed.

Evaluation of effectiveness of various devices for attenuation of trailing vortices based on model tests in a large towing basin

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kirkman, K. L.; Brown, C. E.; Goodman, A.

1973-01-01

The effectiveness of various candidate aircraft-wing devices for attenuation of trailing vortices generated by large aircraft is evaluated on basis of results of experiments conducted with a 0.03-scale model of a Boeing 747 transport aircraft using a technique developed at the HYDRONAUTICS Ship Model Basin. Emphasis is on the effects produced by these devices in the far-field (up to 8 kilometers downstream of full-scale generating aircraft) where the unaltered vortex-wakes could still be hazardous to small following aircraft. The evaluation is based primarily on quantitative measurements of the respective vortex velocity distributions made by means of hot-film probe traverses in a transverse plane at selected stations downstream. The effects of these altered wakes on rolling moment induced on a small following aircraft are also studied using a modified lifting-surface theory with a synthesized Gates Learjet as a typical example. Lift and drag measurements concurrently obtained in the model tests are used to appraise the effects of each device investigated on the performance characteristics of the generating aircraft.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of a Heisenberg Vortex Tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bunge, Carl; Sitaraman, Hariswaran; Leachman, Jake

2017-11-01

A 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of a Heisenberg Vortex Tube (HVT) is performed to estimate cooling potential with cryogenic hydrogen. The main mechanism driving operation of the vortex tube is the use of fluid power for enthalpy streaming in a highly turbulent swirl in a dual-outlet tube. This enthalpy streaming creates a temperature separation between the outer and inner regions of the flow. Use of a catalyst on the peripheral wall of the centrifuge enables endothermic conversion of para-ortho hydrogen to aid primary cooling. A κ- ɛ turbulence model is used with a cryogenic, non-ideal equation of state, and para-orthohydrogen species evolution. The simulations are validated with experiments and strategies for parametric optimization of this device are presented.

Simulating the room-temperature dynamic motion of a ferromagnetic vortex in a bistable potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haber, E.; Badea, R.; Berezovsky, J.

2018-05-01

The ability to precisely and reliably control the dynamics of ferromagnetic (FM) vortices could lead to novel nonvolatile memory devices and logic gates. Intrinsic and fabricated defects in the FM material can pin vortices and complicate the dynamics. Here, we simulated switching a vortex between bistable pinning sites using magnetic field pulses. The dynamic motion was modeled with the Thiele equation for a massless, rigid vortex subject to room-temperature thermal noise. The dynamics were explored both when the system was at zero temperature and at room-temperature. The probability of switching for different pulses was calculated, and the major features are explained using the basins of attraction map of the two pinning sites.

Experimental formation of a fractional vortex in a superconducting bi-layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Y.; Yamamori, H.; Yanagisawa, T.; Nishio, T.; Arisawa, S.

2018-05-01

We report the experimental formation of a fractional vortex generated by using a thin superconducting bi-layer in the form of a niobium bi-layer, observed as a magnetic flux distribution image taken by a scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microscope. Thus, we demonstrated that multi-component superconductivity can be realized by an s-wave conventional superconductor, because, in these superconductors, the magnetic flux is no longer quantized as it is destroyed by the existence of an inter-component phase soliton (i-soliton).

Wind Tunnel Analysis And Flight Test of A Wing Fence On A T-38

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-26

winglets are used on numerous aircraft and are often added after the final phase of design. Aircraft have been employing devices such as vortex... winglets have been used since the 1970s. They are used primarily to take advantage of the resulting increased fuel-efficiency. Lear jets were the...AFB). The driving force for choosing a wing fence over vortex generators or winglets was the seam located 26.5 inches inboard of the wingtip. This

Optofluidics of plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Psaltis, Demetri; Vasdekis, Andreas E.; Choi, Jae-Woo

2016-05-01

Optofluidics is a tool for synthesizing optical systems, making use of the interaction of light with fluids. In this paper we explore optofluidic mechanisms that have evolved in plants where sunlight and fluidic control combine to define most of the functionality of the plan. We hope that the presentation of how plants function, from an optofluidics point of view, will open a window for the optics community to the vast literature of plant physiology and provide inspiration for new ideas for the design of bio-mimetic optofluidic devices.

Magnetic helical micromachines.

PubMed

Peyer, Kathrin E; Tottori, Soichiro; Qiu, Famin; Zhang, Li; Nelson, Bradley J

2013-01-02

Helical microrobots have the potential to be used in a variety of application areas, such as in medical procedures, cell biology, or lab-on-a-chip. They are powered and steered wirelessly using low-strength rotating magnetic fields. The helical shape of the device allows propulsion through numerous types of materials and fluids, from tissue to different types of bodily fluids. Helical propulsion is suitable for pipe flow conditions or for 3D swimming in open fluidic environments. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Preparation and Testing of Impedance-based Fluidic Biochips with RTgill-W1 Cells for Rapid Evaluation of Drinking Water Samples for Toxicity

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-07

and rapid response to a broad spectrum of inorganic and organic chemicals at concentrations that are relevant to human health concerns, as well as the...broad spectrum of toxic industrial compounds rapidly (within an hour) at concentrations relevant to human health , that the device be field-portable...laboratory setting and was able to detect potential water contaminants at concentrations that are relevant to human health . The portability and

Blue treatment enhances cyclic fatigue resistance of vortex nickel-titanium rotary files.

PubMed

Plotino, Gianluca; Grande, Nicola M; Cotti, Elisabetta; Testarelli, Luca; Gambarini, Gianluca

2014-09-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the difference in cyclic fatigue resistance between Vortex Blue (Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK) and Profile Vortex nickel-titanium (Dentsply Tulsa Dental) rotary instruments. Two groups of nickel-titanium endodontic instruments, ProFile Vortex and Vortex Blue, consisting of identical instruments in tip size and taper (15/.04, 20/.06, 25/.04, 25/.06, 30/.06, 35/.06, and 40/.04) were tested. Ten instruments from each system and size were tested for cyclic fatigue resistance, resulting in a total of 140 new instruments. All instruments were rotated in a simulated root canal with a 60° angle of curvature and a 5-mm radius of curvature of a specific cyclic fatigue testing device until fracture occurred. The number of cycles to failure and the length of the fractured tip were recorded for each instrument in each group. The mean values and standard deviation were calculated, and data were subjected to 1-way analysis of variance and a Bonferroni t test. Significance was set at the 95% confidence level. When comparing the same size of the 2 different instruments, a statistically significant difference (P < .05) was noted between all sizes of Vortex Blue and Profile Vortex instruments except for tip size 15 and .04 taper (P = 1.000). No statistically significant difference (P > .05) was noted among all groups tested in terms of fragment length. Vortex Blue showed a significant increase in cyclic fatigue resistance when compared with the same sizes of ProFile Vortex. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Three-dimensional imaging of vortex structure in a ferroelectric nanoparticle driven by an electric field.

PubMed

Karpov, D; Liu, Z; Rolo, T Dos Santos; Harder, R; Balachandran, P V; Xue, D; Lookman, T; Fohtung, E

2017-08-17

Topological defects of spontaneous polarization are extensively studied as templates for unique physical phenomena and in the design of reconfigurable electronic devices. Experimental investigations of the complex topologies of polarization have been limited to surface phenomena, which has restricted the probing of the dynamic volumetric domain morphology in operando. Here, we utilize Bragg coherent diffractive imaging of a single BaTiO 3 nanoparticle in a composite polymer/ferroelectric capacitor to study the behavior of a three-dimensional vortex formed due to competing interactions involving ferroelectric domains. Our investigation of the structural phase transitions under the influence of an external electric field shows a mobile vortex core exhibiting a reversible hysteretic transformation path. We also study the toroidal moment of the vortex under the action of the field. Our results open avenues for the study of the structure and evolution of polar vortices and other topological structures in operando in functional materials under cross field configurations.Imaging of topological states of matter such as vortex configurations has generally been limited to 2D surface effects. Here Karpov et al. study the volumetric structure and dynamics of a vortex core mediated by electric-field induced structural phase transition in a ferroelectric BaTiO 3 nanoparticle.

The effects of micro-vortex generators on normal shock wave/boundary layer interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herges, Thomas G.

Shock wave/boundary-layer interactions (SWBLIs) are complex flow phenomena that are important in the design and performance of internal supersonic and transonic flow fields such as engine inlets. This investigation was undertaken to study the effects of passive flow control devices on normal shock wave/boundary layer interactions in an effort to gain insight into the physics that govern these complex interactions. The work concentrates on analyzing the effects of vortex generators (VGs) as a flow control method by contributing a greater understanding of the flowfield generated by these devices and characterizing their effects on the SWBLI. The vortex generators are utilized with the goal of improving boundary layer health (i.e., reducing/increasing the boundary-layer incompressible shape factor/skin friction coefficient) through a SWBLI, increasing pressure recovery, and reducing flow distortion at the aerodynamic interface plane while adding minimal drag to the system. The investigation encompasses experiments in both small-scale and large-scale inlet testing, allowing multiple test beds for improving the characterization and understanding of vortex generators. Small-scale facility experiments implemented instantaneous schlieren photography, surface oil-flow visualization, pressure-sensitive paint, and particle image velocimetry to characterize the effects of an array of microramps on a normal shock wave/boundary-layer interaction. These diagnostics measured the time-averaged and instantaneous flow organization in the vicinity of the microramps and SWBLI. The results reveal that a microramp produces a complex vortex structure in its wake with two primary counter-rotating vortices surrounded by a train of Kelvin- Helmholtz (K-H) vortices. A streamwise velocity deficit is observed in the region of the primary vortices in addition to an induced upwash/downwash which persists through the normal shock with reduced strength. The microramp flow control also increased the spanwise-averaged skin-friction coefficient and reduced the spanwise-averaged incompressible shape factor, thereby improving the health of the boundary layer. The velocity in the near-wall region appears to be the best indicator of microramp effectiveness at controlling SWBLIs. Continued analysis of additional micro-vortex generator designs in the small-scale facility revealed reduced separation within a subsonic diffuser downstream of the normal shock wave/boundary layer interaction. The resulting attached flow within the diffuser from the micro-vortex generator control devices reduces shock wave position and pressure RMS fluctuations within the diffuser along with increased pressure recovery through the shock and at the entrance of the diffuser. The largest effect was observed by the micro-vortex generators that produce the strongest streamwise vortices. High-speed pressure measurements also indicated that the vortex generators shift the energy of the pressure fluctuations to higher frequencies. Implementation of micro-vortex generators into a large-scale, supersonic, axisymmetric, relaxed-compression inlet have been investigated with the use of a unique and novel flow-visualization measurement system designed and successfully used for the analysis of both upstream micro-VGs (MVGs) and downstream VGs utilizing surface oil-flow visualization and pressure-sensitive paint measurements. The inlet centerbody and downstream diffuser vortex-generator regions were imaged during wind-tunnel testing internally through the inlet cowl with the diagnostic system attached to the cowl. Surface-flow visualization revealed separated regions along the inlet centerbody for large mass-flow rates without vortex generators. Upstream vortex generators did reduce separation in the subsonic diffuser, and a unique perspective of the flowfield produced by the downstream vortex generators was obtained. In addition, pressure distributions on the inlet centerbody and vortex generators were measured with pressure-sensitive paint. At low mass-flow ratios the onset of buzz occurs in the large-scale low-boom inlet. Inlet buzz and how it is affected by vortex generators was characterized using shock tracking through high-speed schlieren imaging and pressure fluctuation measurements. The analysis revealed a dominant low frequency oscillation at 21.0 Hz for the single-stream inlet, corresponding with the duration of one buzz cycle. Pressure oscillations prior to the onset of buzz were not detected, leaving the location where the shock wave triggers large separation on the compression spike as the best indicator for the onset of buzz. The driving mechanism for a buzz cycle has been confirmed as the rate of depressurization and repressurization of the inlet as the buzz cycle fluctuates between an effectively unstarted (blocked) inlet and supercritical operation (choked flow), respectively. High-frequency shock position oscillations/pulsations (spike buzz) were also observed throughout portions of the inlet buzz cycle. The primary effect of the VGs was to trigger buzz at a higher mass-flow ratio.

Microfluidic devices with permeable polymer barriers for capture and transport of biomolecules and cells.

PubMed

Lee, Ho Suk; Chu, Wai Keung; Zhang, Kun; Huang, Xiaohua

2013-09-07

We report a method for fabricating permeable polymer microstructure barriers in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic devices and the use of the devices to capture and transport DNA and cells. The polymer microstructure in a desired location in a fluidic channel is formed in situ by the polymerization of acrylamide and polyethylene diacrylate cross-linker (PEG-DA) monomer in a solution which is trapped in the location using a pair of PDMS valves. The porous polymer microstructure provides a mechanical barrier to convective fluid flow in the channel or between two microfluidic chambers while it still conducts ions or small charged species under an electric field, allowing for the rapid capture and transport of biomolecules and cells by electrophoresis. We have demonstrated the application of the devices for the rapid capture and efficient release of bacteriophage λ genomic DNA, solution exchange and for the transport and capture of HeLa cells. Our devices will enable the multi-step processing of biomolecules and cells or individual cells within a single microfluidic chamber.

Flexible fabrication and applications of polymer nanochannels and nanoslits

PubMed Central

Chantiwas, Rattikan; Kim, Byoung Choul; Sunkara, Vijaya; Hwang, Hyundoo

2016-01-01

Fluidic devices that employ nanoscale structures (<100 nm in one or two dimensions, slits or channels, respectively) are generating great interest due to the unique properties afforded by this size domain compared to their micro-scale counterparts. Examples of interesting nanoscale phenomena include the ability to preconcentrate ionic species at extremely high levels due to ion selective migration, unique molecular separation modalities, confined environments to allow biopolymer stretching and elongation and solid-phase bioreactions that are not constrained by mass transport artifacts. Indeed, many examples in the literature have demonstrated these unique opportunities, although predominately using glass, fused silica or silicon as the substrate material. Polymer microfluidics has established itself as an alternative to glass, fused silica, or silicon-based fluidic devices. The primary advantages arising from the use of polymers are the diverse fabrication protocols that can be used to produce the desired structures, the extensive array of physiochemical properties associated with different polymeric materials, and the simple and robust modification strategies that can be employed to alter the substrate's surface chemistry. However, while the strengths of polymer microfluidics is currently being realized, the evolution of polymer-based nanofluidics has only recently been reported. In this critical review, the opportunities afforded by polymer-based nanofluidics will be discussed using both elastomeric and thermoplastic materials. In particular, various fabrication modalities will be discussed along with the nanometre size domains that they can achieve for both elastomer and thermoplastic materials. Different polymer substrates that can be used for nanofluidics will be presented along with comparisons to inorganic nanodevices and the consequences of material differences on the fabrication and operation of nanofluidic devices (257 references). PMID:21442106

A Chip-Capillary Hybrid Device for Automated Transfer of Sample Pre-Separated by Capillary Isoelectric Focusing to Parallel Capillary Gel Electrophoresis for Two-Dimensional Protein Separation

PubMed Central

Lu, Joann J.; Wang, Shili; Li, Guanbin; Wang, Wei; Pu, Qiaosheng; Liu, Shaorong

2012-01-01

In this report, we introduce a chip-capillary hybrid device to integrate capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF) with parallel capillary sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) or capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) toward automating two-dimensional (2D) protein separations. The hybrid device consists of three chips that are butted together. The middle chip can be moved between two positions to re-route the fluidic paths, which enables the performance of CIEF and injection of proteins partially resolved by CIEF to CGE capillaries for parallel CGE separations in a continuous and automated fashion. Capillaries are attached to the other two chips to facilitate CIEF and CGE separations and to extend the effective lengths of CGE columns. Specifically, we illustrate the working principle of the hybrid device, develop protocols for producing and preparing the hybrid device, and demonstrate the feasibility of using this hybrid device for automated injection of CIEF-separated sample to parallel CGE for 2D protein separations. Potentials and problems associated with the hybrid device are also discussed. PMID:22830584

Microfluidic devices for the controlled manipulation of small volumes

DOEpatents

Ramsey, Michael J; Jacobson, Stephen C

2012-09-18

A method for conducting a broad range of biochemical analyses or manipulations on a series of nano- to subnanoliter reaction volumes and an apparatus for carrying out the same are disclosed. The invention is implemented on a fluidic microchip to provide high serial throughput. In particular, the disclosed device is a microfabricated channel device that can manipulate nanoliter or subnanoliter reaction volumes in a controlled manner to produce results at rates of 1 to 10 Hz per channel. The reaction volumes are manipulated in serial fashion analogous to a digital shift register. The invention has application to such problems as screening molecular or cellular targets using single beads from split-synthesis combinatorial libraries, screening single cells for RNA or protein expression, genetic diagnostic screening at the single cell level, or performing single cell signal transduction studies.

Fast selective trapping and release of picoliter droplets in a 3D microfluidic PDMS multi-trap system with bubbles.

PubMed

Rambach, Richard W; Biswas, Preetika; Yadav, Ashutosh; Garstecki, Piotr; Franke, Thomas

2018-02-12

The selective manipulation and incubation of individual picoliter drops in high-throughput droplet based microfluidic devices still remains challenging. We used a surface acoustic wave (SAW) to induce a bubble in a 3D designed multi-trap polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) device to manipulate multiple droplets and demonstrate the selection, incubation and on-demand release of aqueous droplets from a continuous oil flow. By controlling the position of the acoustic actuation, individual droplets are addressed and selectively released from a droplet stream of 460 drops per s. A complete trapping and releasing cycle can be as short as 70 ms and has no upper limit for incubation time. We characterize the fluidic function of the hybrid device in terms of electric power, pulse duration and acoustic path.

Protein patterning in polycarbonate microfluidic channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomson, David A.; Hayes, Jason P.; Thissen, Helmut

2004-03-01

In this work protein patterning has been achieved within a polycarbonate microfluidic device. Channel structures were first coated with plasma polymerized allylamine (ALAPP) followed by the "cloud point" deposition of polyethylene oxide (PEO), a protein repellent molecule. Excimer laser micromachining was used to pattern the PEO to control protein localization. Subsequent removal of a sacrificial layer of polycarbonate resulted in the patterned polymer coating only in the channels of a simple fluidic device. Following a final diffusion bonding fabrication step the devices were filled with a buffer containing Streptavidin conjugated with fluorescein, and visualized under a confocal fluorescent microscope. This confirmed that protein adhesion occurred only in laser patterned areas. The ability to control protein adhesion in microfludic channels leads to the possibility of generating arrays of proteins or cells within polymer microfludics for cheap automated biosensors and synthesis systems.

Laser subtractive-additive-welding microfabrication for Lab-On-Chip (LOC) applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jonušauskas, Linas; RekštytÄ--, Sima; Buivydas, Ričardas; Butkus, Simas; Paipulas, Domas; Gadonas, Roaldas; Juodkazis, Saulius; Malinauskas, Mangirdas

2017-02-01

An approach employing ultrafast laser hybrid microfabrication combining ablation, 3D nanolithography and welding is proposed for the realization of Lab-On-Chip (LOC) device. The same laser setup is shown to be suitable for fabricating microgrooves in glass slabs, polymerization of fine meshes inside them, and, lastly, sealing the whole chip with cover glass into one monolithic piece. The created micro fluidic device proved its particle sorting function by separating 1 μm and 10 μm polystyrene spheres from a mixture. Next, a lens adapter for a cell phone's camera was manufactured via thermal extrusion 3D printing technique which allowed to achieve sufficient magnification to clearly resolve <10 μm features. All together shows fs-laser microfabrication technology as a flexible and versatile tool for study and manufacturing of Lab-On-Chip devices.

Tunable organic transistors that use microfluidic source and drain electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maltezos, George; Nortrup, Robert; Jeon, Seokwoo; Zaumseil, Jana; Rogers, John A.

2003-09-01

This letter describes a type of transistor that uses conducting fluidic source and drain electrodes of mercury which flow on top of a thin film of the organic semiconductor pentacene. Pumping the mercury through suitably designed microchannels changes the width of the transistor channel and, therefore, the electrical characteristics of the device. Measurements on transistors with a range of channel lengths reveal low contact resistances between mercury and pentacene. Data collected before, during, and after pumping the mercury through the microchannels demonstrate reversible and systematic tuning of the devices. This unusual type of organic transistor has the potential to be useful in plastic microfluidic devices that require active elements for pumps, sensors, or other components. It also represents a noninvasive way to build transistor test structures that incorporate certain classes of chemically and mechanically fragile organic semiconductors.

Microfluidic multiplexing of solid-state nanopores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, Tarun; Rasera, Benjamin C.; Guerrero, Ricardo Jose S.; Lim, Jong-Min; Karnik, Rohit

2017-12-01

Although solid-state nanopores enable electronic analysis of many clinically and biologically relevant molecular structures, there are few existing device architectures that enable high-throughput measurement of solid-state nanopores. Herein, we report a method for microfluidic integration of multiple solid-state nanopores at a high density of one nanopore per (35 µm2). By configuring microfluidic devices with microfluidic valves, the nanopores can be rinsed from a single fluid input while retaining compatibility for multichannel electrical measurements. The microfluidic valves serve the dual purpose of fluidic switching and electric switching, enabling serial multiplexing of the eight nanopores with a single pair of electrodes. Furthermore, the device architecture exhibits low noise and is compatible with electroporation-based in situ nanopore fabrication, providing a scalable platform for automated electronic measurement of a large number of integrated solid-state nanopores.

Recent advances in single-molecule detection on micro- and nano-fluidic devices.

PubMed

Liu, Chang; Qu, Yueyang; Luo, Yong; Fang, Ning

2011-11-01

Single-molecule detection (SMD) allows static and dynamic heterogeneities from seemingly equal molecules to be revealed in the studies of molecular structures and intra- and inter-molecular interactions. Micro- and nanometer-sized structures, including channels, chambers, droplets, etc., in microfluidic and nanofluidic devices allow diffusion-controlled reactions to be accelerated and provide high signal-to-noise ratio for optical signals. These two active research frontiers have been combined to provide unprecedented capabilities for chemical and biological studies. This review summarizes the advances of SMD performed on microfluidic and nanofluidic devices published in the past five years. The latest developments on optical SMD methods, microfluidic SMD platforms, and on-chip SMD applications are discussed herein and future development directions are also envisioned. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Microfluidic devices for the controlled manipulation of small volumes

DOEpatents

Ramsey, J Michael [Knoxville, TN; Jacobson, Stephen C [Knoxville, TN

2007-07-03

A method for conducting a broad range of biochemical analyses or manipulations on a series of nano- to subnanoliter reaction volumes and an apparatus for carrying out the same are disclosed. The invention is implemented on a fluidic microchip to provide high serial throughput. In particular, the disclosed device is a microfabricated channel device that can manipulate nanoliter or subnanoliter reaction volumes in a controlled manner to produce results at rates of 1 to 10 Hz per channel. The reaction volumes are manipulated in serial fashion analogous to a digital shift register. The invention has application to such problems as screening molecular or cellular targets using single beads from split-synthesis combinatorial libraries, screening single cells for RNA or protein expression, genetic diagnostic screening at the single cell level, or performing single cell signal transduction studies.

Fluidics platform and method for sample preparation

DOEpatents

Benner, Henry W.; Dzenitis, John M.

2016-06-21

Provided herein are fluidics platforms and related methods for performing integrated sample collection and solid-phase extraction of a target component of the sample all in one tube. The fluidics platform comprises a pump, particles for solid-phase extraction and a particle-holding means. The method comprises contacting the sample with one or more reagents in a pump, coupling a particle-holding means to the pump and expelling the waste out of the pump while the particle-holding means retains the particles inside the pump. The fluidics platform and methods herein described allow solid-phase extraction without pipetting and centrifugation.

Fluidic Oscillator Having Decoupled Frequency and Amplitude Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koklu, Mehti (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A fluidic oscillator having independent frequency and amplitude control includes a fluidic-oscillator main flow channel having a main flow inlet, a main flow outlet, and first and second control ports disposed at opposing sides thereof. A fluidic-oscillator controller has an inlet and outlet. A volume defined by the main flow channel is greater than the volume defined by the controller. A flow diverter coupled to the outlet of the controller defines a first fluid flow path from the controller's outlet to the first control port and defines a second fluid flow path from the controller's outlet to the second control port.

Fluidic Oscillator Having Decoupled Frequency and Amplitude Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koklu, Mehti (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A fluidic oscillator having independent frequency and amplitude control includes a fluidic-oscillator main flow channel having a main flow inlet, a main flow outlet, and first and second control ports disposed at opposing sides thereof. A fluidic-oscillator controller has an inlet and outlet. A volume defined by the main flow channel is greater than the volume defined by the controller. A flow diverter coupled to the outlet of the controller defines a first fluid flow path from the controller's outlet to the first control port and defines a second fluid flow path from the controller's outlet to the second control port.

Formation and Control of Fluidic Species

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Link, Darren Roy (Inventor); Marquez-Sanchez, Manuel (Inventor); Cheng, Zhengdong (Inventor); Weitz, David A. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

This invention generally relates to systems and methods for the formation and/or control of fluidic species, and articles produced by such systems and methods. In some cases, the invention involves unique fluid channels, systems, controls, and/or restrictions, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the invention allows fluidic streams (which can be continuous or discontinuous, i.e., droplets) to be formed and/or combined, at a variety of scales, including microfluidic scales. In one set of embodiments, a fluidic stream may be produced from a channel, where a cross-sectional dimension of the fluidic stream is smaller than that of the channel, for example, through the use of structural elements, other fluids, and/or applied external fields, etc. In some cases, a Taylor cone may be produced. In another set of embodiments, a fluidic stream may be manipulated in some fashion, for example, to create tubes (which may be hollow or solid), droplets, nested tubes or droplets, arrays of tubes or droplets, meshes of tubes, etc. In some cases, droplets produced using certain embodiments of the invention may be charged or substantially charged, which may allow their further manipulation, for instance, using applied external fields. Non-limiting examples of such manipulations include producing charged droplets, coalescing droplets (especially at the microscale), synchronizing droplet formation, aligning molecules within the droplet, etc. In some cases, the droplets and/or the fluidic streams may include colloids, cells, therapeutic agents, and the like.

Lab on a Chip Application Development for Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Monaco, Lisa

2004-01-01

At Marshall Space Flight Center a new capability has been established to aid the advancement of microfluidics for space flight monitoring systems. Lab-On-a-Chip Application Development (LOCAD) team has created a program for advancing Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) of 1 & 2 to TRL 6 and 7, quickly and economically for Lab-On-a-Chip (LOC) applications. Scientists and engineers can utilize LOCAD's process to efficiently learn about microfluidics and determine if microfluidics is applicable to their needs. Once the applicability has been determined, LOCAD can then perform tests to develop the new fluidic protocols which are different from macro-scale chemical reaction protocols. With this information new micro-devices can be created such as the development of a microfluidic system to aid in the search for life, past and present, on Mars. Particular indicators in the Martian soil can contain the direct evidence of life. But to extract the information from the soil and present it to the proper detectors requires multiple fluidic/chemical operations. This is where LOCAD is providing its unique abilities.

Study of thermo-fluidic behavior of micro-droplet in inkjet-based micro manufacturing processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Raju; Mahapatra, Abhijit; Ball, Amit Kumar; Roy, Shibendu Shekhar; Murmu, Naresh Chandra

2017-06-01

Inkjet printing technology, a maskless, non-contact patterning operation, which has been a revelation in the field of micro and nano manufacturing for its use in the selective deposition of desired materials. It is becoming an exciting alternative technology such as lithography to print functional material on to a substrate. Selective deposition of functional materials on desired substrates is a basic requirement in many of the printing based micro and nano manufacturing operations like the fabrication of microelectronic devices, solar cell, Light-emitting Diode (LED) research fields like pharmaceutical industries for drug discovery purposes and in biotechnology to make DNA microarrays. In this paper, an attempt has been made to design and develop an indigenous Electrohydrodynamic Inkjet printing system for micro fabrication and to study the interrelationships between various thermos-fluidic parameters of the ink material in the printing process. The effect of printing process parameters on printing performance characteristics has also been studied. And the applicability of the process has also been experimentally demonstrated. The experimentally found results were quite satisfactory and accordance to its applicability.

LES-based characterization of a suction and oscillatory blowing fluidic actuator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jeonglae; Moin, Parviz

2015-11-01

Recently, a novel fluidic actuator using steady suction and oscillatory blowing was developed for control of turbulent flows. The suction and oscillatory blowing (SaOB) actuator combines steady suction and pulsed oscillatory blowing into a single device. The actuation is based upon a self-sustained mechanism of confined jets and does not require any moving parts. The control output is determined by a pressure source and the geometric details, and no additional input is needed. While its basic mechanisms have been investigated to some extent, detailed characteristics of internal turbulent flows are not well understood. In this study, internal flows of the SaOB actuator are simulated using large-eddy simulation (LES). Flow characteristics within the actuator are described in detail for a better understanding of the physical mechanisms and improving the actuator design. LES predicts the self-sustained oscillations of the turbulent jet. Switching frequency, maximum velocity at the actuator outlets, and wall pressure distribution are in good agreement with the experimental measurements. The computational results are used to develop simplified boundary conditions for numerical experiments of active flow control. Supported by the Boeing company.

Vortex spin-torque oscillator stabilized by phase locked loop using integrated circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kreissig, Martin; Lebrun, R.; Protze, F.; Merazzo-Jaimes, K.; Hem, J.; Vila, L.; Ferreira, R.; Cyrille, M.-C.; Ellinger, F.; Cros, V.; Ebels, U.; Bortolotti, P.

2017-05-01

Spin-torque nano-oscillators (STO) are candidates for the next technological implementation of spintronic devices in commercial electronic systems. For use in microwave applications, improving the noise figures by efficient control of their phase dynamics is a mandatory requirement. In order to achieve this, we developed a compact phase locked loop (PLL) based on custom integrated circuits (ICs) and demonstrate that it represents an efficient way to reduce the phase noise level of a vortex based STO. The advantage of our approach to phase stabilize STOs is that our compact system is highly reconfigurable e.g. in terms of the frequency divider ratio N, RF gain and loop gain. This makes it robust against device to device variations and at the same time compatible with a large range of STOs. Moreover, by taking advantage of the natural highly non-isochronous nature of the STO, the STO frequency can be easily controlled by e.g. changing the divider ratio N.

Enabling Technologies for Microfluidic Flow Control and Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leslie, Daniel Christopher

Advances in microfluidic technologies have expanded conventional chemical and biological techniques to the point where we can envision rapid, inexpensive and portable analysis. Among the numerous challenges in the development of portable, chip-based technologies are simple flow control and detection strategies, which will be essential to widespread acceptance and implementation at both the point-of-care and in locales with limited facilities/resources. The research presented in this dissertation is focused on the development of precise flow control techniques and new, simplified detection technologies aimed at addressing these challenges. An introduction to the concepts important to microfluidics and a brief history to the field are presented in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 will present the development of a technique for the precise control of small volumes of liquids, where well-studied electrical circuit concepts are employed to create frequency-dependent microfluidic circuits. In this system, elastomeric thin films act as fluidic capacitors and diodes, which, when combined with resistors (channels), make fluidic circuits that are described by analytical models. Metering of two separate chemical inputs with a single oscillatory pneumatic control line is demonstrated by combining simple fluidic circuits (i.e., band-pass filters) to significantly reduce the external hardware required for microfluidic flow control. In order to quantify multiple flow profiles in microfluidic circuits, a novel multiplexed flow measurement method using visible dyes is introduced in Chapter 3 and rapidly determines individual flow in connected channels, post-fabrication device quality and solution viscosity. Another thrust of this dissertation research has been to develop miniaturized bioanalytical systems. Chapter 4 describes the adaption of a nucleic-acid-tagged antibody protein detection reaction to a microfluidic platform for detection of down to 5 E. coli O157:H7 cells. Furthermore, a completely non-contact temperature control platform is developed in Chapter 5 for forensic human identification reactions, based on interferometric temperature sensing and infrared-mediated heating, which simplifies the microfluidic device and its operation. Finally, possible future directions are outlined in Chapter 6 including further simplification of microfluidic instrumentation.

Unsteady Aerodynamic Flow Control of Moving Platforms

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-29

aerodynamic forces and moments effected by fluidic actuation on the flow boundaries of stationary and moving platforms. Aerodynamic forces and...Control is effected fluidically by interactions of azimuthally- and streamwise-segmented individually-addressable synthetic jet actuators with...fundamental flow mechanisms that are associated with transitory aerodynamic forces and moments effected by fluidic actuation on the flow boundaries of

Tailoring optical complex field with spiral blade plasmonic vortex lens

PubMed Central

Rui, Guanghao; Zhan, Qiwen; Cui, Yiping

2015-01-01

Optical complex fields have attracted increasing interests because of the novel effects and phenomena arising from the spatially inhomogeneous state of polarizations and optical singularities of the light beam. In this work, we propose a spiral blade plasmonic vortex lens (SBPVL) that offers unique opportunities to manipulate these novel fields. The strong interaction between the SBPVL and the optical complex fields enable the synthesis of highly tunable plasmonic vortex. Through theoretical derivations and numerical simulations we demonstrated that the characteristics of the plasmonic vortex are determined by the angular momentum (AM) of the light, and the geometrical topological charge of the SBPVL, which is govern by the nonlinear superposition of the pitch and the number of blade element. In addition, it is also shown that by adjusting the geometric parameters, SBPVL can be utilized to focus and manipulate optical complex field with fractional AM. This miniature plasmonic device may find potential applications in optical trapping, optical data storage and many other related fields. PMID:26335894

Fluidic conduits for highly efficient purification of target species in EWOD-driven droplet microfluidics.

PubMed

Shah, Gaurav J; Kim, Chang-Jin Cj

2009-08-21

Due to the lack of continuous flows that would wash unwanted specifies and impurities off from a target location, droplet microfluidics commonly employs a long serial dilution process to purify target species. In this work, we achieve high-purity separation for the case of electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) based droplet microfluidics by introducing a "fluidic conduit" between a sample droplet and a buffer droplet. The long and slender fluidic path minimizes the diffusion and fluidic mixing between the two droplets (thus eliminating non-specific transport) but provides a conduit between them for actively transported particles (thus allowing the specific transport). The conduit is purely fluidic, stabilized chemically (e.g. using surfactants) and controlled by EWOD. The effectiveness of the technique is demonstrated by eliminating approximately 97% non-magnetic beads in just one purification step, while maintaining high collection efficiency (>99%) of magnetic beads.

Design and test of the 172K fluidic rudder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Belsterling, C. A.

1978-01-01

Progress in the development of concepts for control of aircraft without moving parts or a separate source of power is described. The design and wind tunnel tests of a full scale fluidic rudder for a Cessna 172K aircraft, intended for subsequent flight tests were documented. The 172K fluidic rudder was designed to provide a control force equivalent to 3.3 degrees of deflection of the conventional rudder. In spite of an extremely thin airfoil, cascaded fluidic amplifiers were built to fit, with the capacity for generating the required level of control force. Wind tunnel tests demonstrated that the principles of lift control using ram air power are sound and reliable under all flight conditions. The tests also demonstrated that the performance of the 172K fluidic rudder is not acceptable for flight tests until the design of the scoop is modified to prevent interference with the lift control phenomenon.

Fluidic Thrust Vectoring of an Axisymmetric Exhaust Nozzle at Static Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wing, David J.; Giuliano, Victor J.

1997-01-01

A sub-scale experimental static investigation of an axisymmetric nozzle with fluidic injection for thrust vectoring was conducted at the NASA Langley Jet Exit Test Facility. Fluidic injection was introduced through flush-mounted injection ports in the divergent section. Geometric variables included injection-port geometry and location. Test conditions included a range of nozzle pressure ratios from 2 to 10 and a range of injection total pressure ratio from no-flow to 1.5. The results indicate that fluidic injection in an axisymmetric nozzle operating at design conditions produced significant thrust-vector angles with less reduction in thrust efficiency than that of a fluidically-vectored rectangular jet. The axisymmetric geometry promoted a pressure relief mechanism around the injection slot, thereby reducing the strength of the oblique shock and the losses associated with it. Injection port geometry had minimal effect on thrust vectoring.

30 CFR 70.204 - Approved sampling devices; maintenance and calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... components of the cyclone to assure that they are clean and free of dust and dirt; (3) Examination of the inner surface of the cyclone on the approved sampling device to assure that it is free of scoring; (4... leaks, and; (5) Examination of the clamping and positioning of the cyclone body, vortex finder and...

Final report: Mapping Interactions in Hybrid Systems with Active Scanning Probes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Berezovsky, Jesse

2017-09-29

This project aimed to study and map interactions between components of hybrid nanodevices using a novel scanning probe approach. To enable this work, we initially constructed a flexible experimental apparatus allowing for simultaneous scanning probe and confocal optical microscopy measurements. This setup was first used for all-optical measurements of nanostructures, with the focus then shifting to hybrid devices in which single coherent electron spins are coupled to micron-scale ferromagnetic elements, which may prove useful for addressing single spins, enhanced sensing, or spin-wave-mediated coupling of spins for quantum information applications. A significant breakthrough was the realization that it is not necessarymore » to fabricate a magnetic structure on a scanning probe – instead a ferromagnetic vortex core can act as an integrated, solid state, scanning probe. The core of the vortex produces a very strong, localized fringe field which can be used analogously to an MFM tip. Unlike a traditional MFM tip, however, the vortex core is scanned within an integrated device (eliminating drift), and can be moved on vastly faster timescales. This approach allows the detailed investigation of interactions between single spins and complex driven ferromagnetic dynamics.« less

Effects of Interfaces on Dynamics in Micro-Fluidic Devices: Slip-Boundaries’ Impact on Rotation Characteristics of Polar Liquid Film Motors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Su-Rong; Liu, Zhong-Qiang; Amos Yinnon, Tamar; Kong, Xiang-Mu

2017-05-01

A new approach for exploring effects of interfaces on polar liquids is presented. Their impact on the polar liquid film motor (PLFM) - a novel micro-fluidic device - is studied. We account for the interface’s impact by modeling slip boundary effects on the PLFM’s electro-hydro-dynamical rotations. Our analytical results show as k={l}s/R increases (with {l}s denoting the slip length resulting from the interface’s impact on the film’s properties, k > -1 and R denoting the film’s radius): (a) PLFMs subsequently exhibit rotation characteristics under “negative-”, “no-”, “partial-” and “perfect-” slip boundary conditions; (b) The maximum value of the linear velocity of the steady rotating film increases linearly and its location approaches the film’s border; (c) The decay of the angular velocities’ dependency on the distance from the center of the film slows down, resulting in a macroscopic flow near the boundary. With our calculated rotation speed distributions consistent with the existing experimental ones, research aiming at fitting computed to measured distributions promises identifying the factors affecting {l}s, e.g., solid-fluid potential interactions and surface roughness. The consistency also is advantageous for optimizing PLFM’s applications as micro-washers, centrifuges, mixers in the lab-on-a-chip. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 11302118, 11275112, and Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province under Grant No. ZR2013AQ015

Ink-jet printing of graphene for flexible electronics: An environmentally-friendly approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capasso, A.; Del Rio Castillo, A. E.; Sun, H.; Ansaldo, A.; Pellegrini, V.; Bonaccorso, F.

2015-12-01

Mechanical flexibility is considered an asset in consumer electronics and next-generation electronic systems. Printed and flexible electronic devices could be embedded into clothing or other surfaces at home or office or in many products such as low-cost sensors integrated in transparent and flexible surfaces. In this context inks based on graphene and related two-dimensional materials (2DMs) are gaining increasing attention owing to their exceptional (opto)electronic, electrochemical and mechanical properties. The current limitation relies on the use of solvents, providing stable dispersions of graphene and 2DMs and fitting the proper fluidic requirements for printing, which are in general not environmentally benign, and with high boiling point. Non-toxic and low boiling point solvents do not possess the required rheological properties (i.e., surface tension, viscosity and density) for the solution processing of graphene and 2DMs. Such solvents (e.g., water, alcohols) require the addition of stabilizing agents such as polymers or surfactants for the dispersion of graphene and 2DMs, which however unavoidably corrupt their properties, thus preventing their use for the target application. Here, we demonstrate a viable strategy to tune the fluidic properties of water/ethanol mixtures (low-boiling point solvents) to first effectively exfoliate graphite and then disperse graphene flakes to formulate graphene-based inks. We demonstrate that such inks can be used to print conductive stripes (sheet resistance of ~13 kΩ/□) on flexible substrates (polyethylene terephthalate), moving a step forward towards the realization of graphene-based printed electronic devices.

Distributed and Lumped Parameter Models for the Characterization of High Throughput Bioreactors

PubMed Central

Conoscenti, Gioacchino; Cutrì, Elena; Tuan, Rocky S.; Raimondi, Manuela T.; Gottardi, Riccardo

2016-01-01

Next generation bioreactors are being developed to generate multiple human cell-based tissue analogs within the same fluidic system, to better recapitulate the complexity and interconnection of human physiology [1, 2]. The effective development of these devices requires a solid understanding of their interconnected fluidics, to predict the transport of nutrients and waste through the constructs and improve the design accordingly. In this work, we focus on a specific model of bioreactor, with multiple input/outputs, aimed at generating osteochondral constructs, i.e., a biphasic construct in which one side is cartilaginous in nature, while the other is osseous. We next develop a general computational approach to model the microfluidics of a multi-chamber, interconnected system that may be applied to human-on-chip devices. This objective requires overcoming several challenges at the level of computational modeling. The main one consists of addressing the multi-physics nature of the problem that combines free flow in channels with hindered flow in porous media. Fluid dynamics is also coupled with advection-diffusion-reaction equations that model the transport of biomolecules throughout the system and their interaction with living tissues and C constructs. Ultimately, we aim at providing a predictive approach useful for the general organ-on-chip community. To this end, we have developed a lumped parameter approach that allows us to analyze the behavior of multi-unit bioreactor systems with modest computational effort, provided that the behavior of a single unit can be fully characterized. PMID:27669413

Automated Forensic Animal Family Identification by Nested PCR and Melt Curve Analysis on an Off-the-Shelf Thermocycler Augmented with a Centrifugal Microfluidic Disk Segment.

PubMed

Keller, Mark; Naue, Jana; Zengerle, Roland; von Stetten, Felix; Schmidt, Ulrike

2015-01-01

Nested PCR remains a labor-intensive and error-prone biomolecular analysis. Laboratory workflow automation by precise control of minute liquid volumes in centrifugal microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip systems holds great potential for such applications. However, the majority of these systems require costly custom-made processing devices. Our idea is to augment a standard laboratory device, here a centrifugal real-time PCR thermocycler, with inbuilt liquid handling capabilities for automation. We have developed a microfluidic disk segment enabling an automated nested real-time PCR assay for identification of common European animal groups adapted to forensic standards. For the first time we utilize a novel combination of fluidic elements, including pre-storage of reagents, to automate the assay at constant rotational frequency of an off-the-shelf thermocycler. It provides a universal duplex pre-amplification of short fragments of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA and cytochrome b genes, animal-group-specific main-amplifications, and melting curve analysis for differentiation. The system was characterized with respect to assay sensitivity, specificity, risk of cross-contamination, and detection of minor components in mixtures. 92.2% of the performed tests were recognized as fluidically failure-free sample handling and used for evaluation. Altogether, augmentation of the standard real-time thermocycler with a self-contained centrifugal microfluidic disk segment resulted in an accelerated and automated analysis reducing hands-on time, and circumventing the risk of contamination associated with regular nested PCR protocols.

Microfluidic bead-based diodes with targeted circular microchannels for low Reynolds number applications.

PubMed

Sochol, Ryan D; Lu, Albert; Lei, Jonathan; Iwai, Kosuke; Lee, Luke P; Lin, Liwei

2014-05-07

Self-regulating fluidic components are critical to the advancement of microfluidic processors for chemical and biological applications, such as sample preparation on chip, point-of-care molecular diagnostics, and implantable drug delivery devices. Although researchers have developed a wide range of components to enable flow rectification in fluidic systems, engineering microfluidic diodes that function at the low Reynolds number (Re) flows and smaller scales of emerging micro/nanofluidic platforms has remained a considerable challenge. Recently, researchers have demonstrated microfluidic diodes that utilize high numbers of suspended microbeads as dynamic resistive elements; however, using spherical particles to block fluid flow through rectangular microchannels is inherently limited. To overcome this issue, here we present a single-layer microfluidic bead-based diode (18 μm in height) that uses a targeted circular-shaped microchannel for the docking of a single microbead (15 μm in diameter) to rectify fluid flow under low Re conditions. Three-dimensional simulations and experimental results revealed that adjusting the docking channel geometry and size to better match the suspended microbead greatly increased the diodicity (Di) performance. Arraying multiple bead-based diodes in parallel was found to adversely affect system efficacy, while arraying multiple diodes in series was observed to enhance device performance. In particular, systems consisting of four microfluidic bead-based diodes with targeted circular-shaped docking channels in series revealed average Di's ranging from 2.72 ± 0.41 to 10.21 ± 1.53 corresponding to Re varying from 0.1 to 0.6.

PMMA/PDMS valves and pumps for disposable microfluidics.

PubMed

Zhang, Wenhua; Lin, Shuichao; Wang, Chunming; Hu, Jia; Li, Cong; Zhuang, Zhixia; Zhou, Yongliang; Mathies, Richard A; Yang, Chaoyong James

2009-11-07

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is gaining in popularity in microfluidic devices because of its low cost, excellent optical transparency, attractive mechanical/chemical properties, and simple fabrication procedures. It has been used to fabricate micromixers, PCR reactors, CE and many other microdevices. Here we present the design, fabrication, characterization and application of pneumatic microvalves and micropumps based on PMMA. Valves and pumps are fabricated by sandwiching a PDMS membrane between PMMA fluidic channel and manifold wafers. Valve closing or opening can be controlled by adjusting the pressure in a displacement chamber on the pneumatic layer via a computer regulated solenoid. The valve provides up to 15.4 microL s(-1) at 60 kPa fluid pressure and seals reliably against forward fluid pressure as high as 60 kPa. A PMMA diaphragm pump can be assembled by simply connecting three valves in series. By varying valve volume or opening time, pumping rates ranging from nL to microL per second can be accurately achieved. The PMMA based valves and pumps were further tested in a disposable automatic nucleic acid extraction microchip to extract DNA from human whole blood. The DNA extraction efficiency was about 25% and the 260 nm/280 nm UV absorption ratio for extracted DNA was 1.72. Because of its advantages of inexpensive, facile fabrication, robust and easy integration, the PMMA valve and pump will find their wide application for fluidic manipulation in portable and disposable microfluidic devices.

Hollow Microtube Resonators via Silicon Self-Assembly toward Subattogram Mass Sensing Applications.

PubMed

Kim, Joohyun; Song, Jungki; Kim, Kwangseok; Kim, Seokbeom; Song, Jihwan; Kim, Namsu; Khan, M Faheem; Zhang, Linan; Sader, John E; Park, Keunhan; Kim, Dongchoul; Thundat, Thomas; Lee, Jungchul

2016-03-09

Fluidic resonators with integrated microchannels (hollow resonators) are attractive for mass, density, and volume measurements of single micro/nanoparticles and cells, yet their widespread use is limited by the complexity of their fabrication. Here we report a simple and cost-effective approach for fabricating hollow microtube resonators. A prestructured silicon wafer is annealed at high temperature under a controlled atmosphere to form self-assembled buried cavities. The interiors of these cavities are oxidized to produce thin oxide tubes, following which the surrounding silicon material is selectively etched away to suspend the oxide tubes. This simple three-step process easily produces hollow microtube resonators. We report another innovation in the capping glass wafer where we integrate fluidic access channels and getter materials along with residual gas suction channels. Combined together, only five photolithographic steps and one bonding step are required to fabricate vacuum-packaged hollow microtube resonators that exhibit quality factors as high as ∼ 13,000. We take one step further to explore additionally attractive features including the ability to tune the device responsivity, changing the resonator material, and scaling down the resonator size. The resonator wall thickness of ∼ 120 nm and the channel hydraulic diameter of ∼ 60 nm are demonstrated solely by conventional microfabrication approaches. The unique characteristics of this new fabrication process facilitate the widespread use of hollow microtube resonators, their translation between diverse research fields, and the production of commercially viable devices.

Distributed and Lumped Parameter Models for the Characterization of High Throughput Bioreactors.

PubMed

Iannetti, Laura; D'Urso, Giovanna; Conoscenti, Gioacchino; Cutrì, Elena; Tuan, Rocky S; Raimondi, Manuela T; Gottardi, Riccardo; Zunino, Paolo

Next generation bioreactors are being developed to generate multiple human cell-based tissue analogs within the same fluidic system, to better recapitulate the complexity and interconnection of human physiology [1, 2]. The effective development of these devices requires a solid understanding of their interconnected fluidics, to predict the transport of nutrients and waste through the constructs and improve the design accordingly. In this work, we focus on a specific model of bioreactor, with multiple input/outputs, aimed at generating osteochondral constructs, i.e., a biphasic construct in which one side is cartilaginous in nature, while the other is osseous. We next develop a general computational approach to model the microfluidics of a multi-chamber, interconnected system that may be applied to human-on-chip devices. This objective requires overcoming several challenges at the level of computational modeling. The main one consists of addressing the multi-physics nature of the problem that combines free flow in channels with hindered flow in porous media. Fluid dynamics is also coupled with advection-diffusion-reaction equations that model the transport of biomolecules throughout the system and their interaction with living tissues and C constructs. Ultimately, we aim at providing a predictive approach useful for the general organ-on-chip community. To this end, we have developed a lumped parameter approach that allows us to analyze the behavior of multi-unit bioreactor systems with modest computational effort, provided that the behavior of a single unit can be fully characterized.

Fluidically Controlled Cargo Hook

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-03-01

Final Breadboard Fluidic Circuit IT 6 External Cargo Handling System - Cü-Sk Type Aircraft 18 7 Back Pressure Switch Response Time - Switching...On 20 8 Back Pressure Switch Response Time - Switching Off 21 9 Hook Actuator - Pressure Rise Rate 22 10 Breadboard Fluidic System Component...LINE LENGTH* FT Figure 7« Back. Pressure Switch Response Time - Switching On. ! TABLE k. INTERFACE VALVE SIGNAL TIME

The feasibility of a fluidic respiratory flow meter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neradka, V. F.; Bray, H. C., Jr.

1974-01-01

A study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of adapting a fluidic airspeed sensor for use as a respiratory flowmeter. A Pulmonary Function Testing Flowmeter was developed which should prove useful for mass screening applications. The fluidic sensor threshold level was not reduced sufficiently to permit its adaptation to measuring the low respiratory flow rates encountered in many respiratory disorders.

Blade vortex interaction noise reduction techniques for a rotorcraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Charles, Bruce D. (Inventor); Hassan, Ahmed A. (Inventor); Tadghighi, Hormoz (Inventor); JanakiRam, Ram D. (Inventor); Sankar, Lakshmi N. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

An active control device for reducing blade-vortex interactions (BVI) noise generated by a rotorcraft, such as a helicopter, comprises a trailing edge flap located near the tip of each of the rotorcraft's rotor blades. The flap may be actuated in any conventional way, and is scheduled to be actuated to a deflected position during rotation of the rotor blade through predetermined regions of the rotor azimuth, and is further scheduled to be actuated to a retracted position through the remaining regions of the rotor azimuth. Through the careful azimuth-dependent deployment and retraction of the flap over the rotor disk, blade tip vortices which are the primary source for BVI noise are (a) made weaker and (b) pushed farther away from the rotor disk (that is, larger blade-vortex separation distances are achieved).

Observation of acoustic valley vortex states and valley-chirality locked beam splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Liping; Qiu, Chunyin; Lu, Jiuyang; Wen, Xinhua; Shen, Yuanyuan; Ke, Manzhu; Zhang, Fan; Liu, Zhengyou

2017-05-01

We report an experimental observation of the classical version of valley polarized states in a two-dimensional hexagonal sonic crystal. The acoustic valley states, which carry specific linear momenta and orbital angular momenta, were selectively excited by external Gaussian beams and conveniently confirmed by the pressure distribution outside the crystal, according to the criterion of momentum conservation. The vortex nature of such intriguing bulk crystal states was directly characterized by scanning the phase profile inside the crystal. In addition, we observed a peculiar beam-splitting phenomenon, in which the separated beams are constructed by different valleys and locked to the opposite vortex chirality. The exceptional sound transport, encoded with valley-chirality locked information, may serve as the basis of designing conceptually interesting acoustic devices with unconventional functions.

Blade vortex interaction noise reduction techniques for a rotorcraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Charles, Bruce D. (Inventor); JanakiRam, Ram D. (Inventor); Hassan, Ahmed A. (Inventor); Tadghighi, Hormoz (Inventor); Sankar, Lakshmi N. (Inventor)

1998-01-01

An active control device for reducing blade-vortex interactions (BVI) noise generated by a rotorcraft, such as a helicopter, comprises a trailing edge flap located near the tip of each of the rotorcraft's rotor blades. The flap may be actuated in any conventional way, and is scheduled to be actuated to a deflected position during rotation of the rotor blade through predetermined regions of the rotor azimuth, and is further scheduled to be actuated to a retracted position through the remaining regions of the rotor azimuth. Through the careful azimuth-dependent deployment and retraction of the flap over the rotor disk, blade tip vortices which are the primary source for BVI noise are (a) made weaker and (b) pushed farther away from the rotor disk (that is, larger blade-vortex separation distances are achieved).

Multiple orbital angular momentum generated by dielectric hybrid phase element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xuewen; Kuchmizhak, Aleksandr; Hu, Dejiao; Li, Xiangping

2017-09-01

Vortex beam carrying multiple orbital angular momentum provides a new degree of freedom to manipulate light leading to the various exciting applications as trapping, quantum optics, information multiplexing, etc. Helical wavefront can be generated either via the geometric or the dynamic phase arising from a space-variant birefringence (q-plate) or from phase accumulation through propagation (spiral-phase-plate), respectively. Using fast direct laser writing technique we fabricate and characterize novel hybrid q-plate generating vortex beam simultaneously carrying two different high-order topological charges, which arise from the spin-orbital conversion and the azimuthal height variation of the recorded structures. We approve the versatile concept to generate multiple-OAM vortex beams combining the spin-orbital interaction and the phase accumulation in a single micro-scale device, a hybrid dielectric phase plate.

Plasma Streamwise Vortex Generators in an Adverse Pressure Gradient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelley, Christopher; Corke, Thomas; Thomas, Flint

2013-11-01

A wind tunnel experiment was conducted to compare plasma streamwise vortex generators (PSVGs) and passive vortex generators (VGs). These devices were installed on a wing section by which the angle of attack could be used to vary the streamwise pressure gradient. The experiment was performed for freestream Mach numbers 0.1-0.2. Three-dimensional velocity components were measured using a 5-hole Pitot probe in the boundary layer. These measurements were used to quantify the production of streamwise vorticity and the magnitude of the reorientation term from the vorticity transport equation. The effect of Mach number, pressure gradient, operating voltage, and electrode length was then investigated for the PSVGs. The results indicate that the PSVGs could easily outperform the passive VGs and provide a suitable alternative for flow control.

Experimental and analytical investigation of a fluidic power generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarohia, V.; Bernal, L.; Beauchamp, R. B.

1981-01-01

A combined experimental and analytical investigation was performed to understand the various fluid processes associated with the conversion of flow energy into electric power in a fluidic generator. Experiments were performed under flight-simulated laboratory conditions and results were compared with those obtained in the free-flight conditions. It is concluded that the mean mass flow critically controlled the output of the fluidic generator. Cross-correlation of the outputs of transducer data indicate the presence of a standing wave in the tube; the mechanism of oscillation is an acoustic resonance tube phenomenon. A linearized model was constructed coupling the flow behavior of the jet, the jet-layer, the tube, the cavity, and the holes of the fluidic generator. The analytical results also show that the mode of the fluidic power generator is an acoustical resonance phenomenon with the frequency of operation given by f approx = a/4L, where f is the frequency of jet swallowing, a is the average speed of sound in the tube, and L is the length of the tube. Analytical results further indicated that oscillations in the fluidic generator are always damped and consequently there is a forcing of the system in operation.

Numerical simulation of a non-equilibrium electrokinetic micro/nano fluidic mixer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadidi, H.; Kamali, R.

2016-03-01

In this study we numerically simulate a novel micromixer that utilizes vortex generation from the non-equilibrium electrokinetics near the micro/nanochannels interface. After mixing in combined pressure-driven and electroosmotic flows was compared with mixing in a pure pressure-driven flow, the superior mixing performance of the former was evident: for a specific case study, 90% mixing of two fluid streams for a short mixing length was achieved. The results of our numerical study were very similar to those of previously reported experiments. In this paper we explain the phenomenon occurring adjacent to the nano-junctions by plotting the electrical field components, the velocity contours and the concentration distribution in the micromixer. The vortices at the micro/nanochannel interface were obviously indicators of non-equilibrium behaviour in these regions. At the end, the mixing performance was evaluated by the investigation of different applied voltages, Reynolds numbers and surface charge densities using the mixing index parameter, and the results showed that more efficient mixing occurred when the applied voltage and surface charge density magnitude were increased and the Reynolds number was decreased.

Numerical Investigation of Synthetic-jet based Flow Control on Vertical-axis Wind Turbine Blades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menon, Ashwin; Tran, Steven; Sahni, Onkar

2013-11-01

Vertical-axis wind turbines encounter large unsteady aerodynamic loads in a sustained fashion due to the continuously varying angle of attack that is experienced by turbine blades during each revolution. Moreover, the detachment of the leading edge vortex at high angles of attack leads to sudden change in aerodynamic loads that result in structural vibrations and fatigue, and possibly failure. This numerical study focuses on using synthetic-jet based fluidic actuation to reduce the unsteady loading on VAWT blades. In the simulations, the jets are placed at the dominant separation location that is observed in the baseline case. We consider different tip-speed ratios, O(2-5), and we also study the effect of blowing ratio (to be in O(0.5-1.5)) and reduced frequency, i.e., ratio of jet frequency to flow frequency (to be in O(5-15)). For all cases, unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations are carried out by using the Spallart-Allamaras turbulence model, where stabilized finite element method is employed for spatial discretization along with an implicit time-integration scheme.

Electroosmotic pumps and their applications in microfluidic systems

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiayan; Cheng, Chang; Wang, Shili; Liu, Shaorong

2009-01-01

Electroosmotic pumping is receiving increasing attention in recent years owing to the rapid development in micro total analytical systems. Compared with other micropumps, electroosmotic pumps (EOPs) offer a number of advantages such as creation of constant pulse-free flows and elimination of moving parts. The flow rates and pumping pressures of EOPs matches well with micro analysis systems. The common materials and fabrication technologies make it readily integrateable with lab-on-a-chip devices. This paper reviews the recent progress on EOP fabrications and applications in order to promote the awareness of EOPs to researchers interested in using micro- and nano-fluidic devices. The pros and cons of EOPs are also discussed, which helps these researchers in designing and constructing their micro platforms. PMID:20126306

Small, fast, and tough: Shrinking down integrated elastomer transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosset, Samuel; Shea, Herbert R.

2016-09-01

We review recent progress in miniaturized dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), sensors, and energy harvesters. We focus primarily on configurations where the large strain, high compliance, stretchability, and high level of integration offered by dielectric elastomer transducers provide significant advantages over other mm or μm-scale transduction technologies. We first present the most active application areas, including: tunable optics, soft robotics, haptics, micro fluidics, biomedical devices, and stretchable sensors. We then discuss the fabrication challenges related to miniaturization, such as thin membrane fabrication, precise patterning of compliant electrodes, and reliable batch fabrication of multilayer devices. We finally address the impact of miniaturization on strain, force, and driving voltage, as well as the important effect of boundary conditions on the performance of mm-scale DEAs.

Multichannel microchip electrophoresis device fabricated in polycarbonate with an integrated contact conductivity sensor array.

PubMed

Shadpour, Hamed; Hupert, Mateusz L; Patterson, Donald; Liu, Changgeng; Galloway, Michelle; Stryjewski, Wieslaw; Goettert, Jost; Soper, Steven A

2007-02-01

A 16-channel microfluidic chip with an integrated contact conductivity sensor array is presented. The microfluidic network consisted of 16 separation channels that were hot-embossed into polycarbonate (PC) using a high-precision micromilled metal master. All channels were 40 microm deep and 60 microm wide with an effective separation length of 40 mm. A gold (Au) sensor array was lithographically patterned onto a PC cover plate and assembled to the fluidic chip via thermal bonding in such a way that a pair of Au microelectrodes (60 microm wide with a 5 microm spacing) was incorporated into each of the 16 channels and served as independent contact conductivity detectors. The spacing between the corresponding fluidic reservoirs for each separation channel was set to 9 mm, which allowed for loading samples and buffers to all 40 reservoirs situated on the microchip in only five pipetting steps using an 8-channel pipettor. A printed circuit board (PCB) with platinum (Pt) wires was used to distribute the electrophoresis high-voltage to all reservoirs situated on the fluidic chip. Another PCB was used for collecting the conductivity signals from the patterned Au microelectrodes. The device performance was evaluated using microchip capillary zone electrophoresis (mu-CZE) of amino acid, peptide, and protein mixtures as well as oligonucleotides that were separated via microchip capillary electrochromatography (mu-CEC). The separations were performed with an electric field (E) of 90 V/cm and were completed in less than 4 min in all cases. The conductivity detection was carried out using a bipolar pulse voltage waveform with a pulse amplitude of +/-0.6 V and a frequency of 6.0 kHz. The conductivity sensor array concentration limit of detection (SNR = 3) was determined to be 7.1 microM for alanine. The separation efficiency was found to be 6.4 x 10(4), 2.0 x 10(3), 4.8 x 10(3), and 3.4 x 10(2) plates for the mu-CEC of the oligonucleotides and mu-CZE of the amino acids, peptides, and proteins, respectively, with an average channel-to-channel migration time reproducibility of 2.8%. The average resolution obtained for mu-CEC of the oligonucleotides and mu-CZE of the amino acids, peptides, and proteins was 4.6, 1.0, 0.9, and 1.0, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first to describe a multichannel microchip electrophoresis device with integrated contact conductivity sensor array.

Resonant-spin-ordering of vortex cores in interacting mesomagnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, Shikha

2013-03-01

The magnetic system of interacting vortex-state elements have a dynamically reconfigurable ground state characterized by different relative polarities and chiralities of the individual disks; and have a corresponding dynamically controlled spectrum of collective excitation modes that determine the microwave absorption of the crystal. The development of effective methods for dynamic control of the ground state in this vortex-type magnonic crystal is of interest both from fundamental and technological viewpoints. Control of vortex chirality has been demonstrated previously using various techniques; however, control and manipulation of vortex polarities remain challenging. In this work, we present a robust and efficient way of selecting the ground state configuration of interacting magnetic elements using resonant-spin-ordering approach. This is achieved by driving the system from the linear regime of constant vortex gyrations to the non-linear regime of vortex-core reversals at a fixed excitation frequency of one of the coupled modes. Subsequently reducing the excitation field to the linear regime stabilizes the system to a polarity combination whose resonant frequency is decoupled from the initialization frequency. We have utilized the resonant approach to transition between the two polarity combinations (parallel or antiparallel) in a model system of connected dot-pairs which may form the building blocks of vortex-based magnonic crystals. Taking a step further, we have extended the technique by studying many-particle system for its potential as spin-torque oscillators or logic devices. Work at Argonne was supported by the U. S. DOE, Office of BES, under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357. This work was in part supported by grant DMR-1015175 from the U. S. National Science Foundation, by a Contract from the U.S. Army TARDEC and RDECOM.

The effect of non-zero radial velocity on the impulse and circulation of starting jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krieg, Michael; Mohseni, Kamran

2011-11-01

Vortex ring formation dynamics are generally studied using two basic types of vortex generators. Piston cylinder vortex generators eject fluid through a long tube which ensures a purely axial jet; whereas, vortex ring generators which expel fluid through a flat plate with a circular orifice produce 2-D jets (non-zero radial velocity). At the nozzle exit plane of the orifice type vortex generator the radial component of velocity is linearly proportional to the radial distance from the axis of symmetry, reaching a maximum at the edge of the orifice with a magnitude around 10 % of the piston velocity (the ratio of the volume flux and the nozzle area). As the jet advances downstream the radial velocity quickly dissipates, and becomes purely axial less than a diameter away from the nozzle exit plane. The radial velocity gradient in the axial direction plays a key role in the rate at which circulation and impulse are ejected from the vortex generator. Though the radial component of velocity is small compared to the axial velocity, it has a significant effect on both the circulation and impulse of the starting jet because of this gradient. The extent of circulation and impulse enhancement is investigated through experimental DPIV data showing that the orifice device produces nearly double both circulation and energy (with identical piston velocity and stroke ratios).

Multilayer Microfluidic Devices Created From A Single Photomask

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kelly, Ryan T.; Sheen, Allison M.; Jambovane, Sachin R.

2013-08-28

The time and expense associated with high quality photomask production can discourage the creation of multilayer microfluidic devices, as each layer currently requires a separate photomask. Here we describe an approach in which multilayer microfabricated devices can be created from a single photomask. The separate layers and their corresponding alignment marks are arranged in separate halves of the mask for two layer devices or quadrants for four layer devices. Selective exposure of the photomask features and rotation of the device substrate between exposures result in multiple copies of the devices on each wafer. Subsequent layers are aligned to patterned featuresmore » on the substrate with the same alignment accuracy as when multiple photomasks are used. We demonstrate this approach for fabricating devices employing multilayer soft lithography (MSL) for pneumatic valving. MSL devices containing as many as 5 layers (4 aligned fluidic layers plus a manually aligned control layer) were successfully created using this approach. Device design is also modularized, enabling the presence or absence of features as well as channel heights to be selected independently from one another. The use of a single photomask to create multilayer devices results in a dramatic savings of time and/or money required to advance from device design to completed prototype.« less

Spontaneous vortex nanodomain arrays at ferroelectric heterointerfaces.

PubMed

Nelson, Christopher T; Winchester, Benjamin; Zhang, Yi; Kim, Sung-Joo; Melville, Alexander; Adamo, Carolina; Folkman, Chad M; Baek, Seung-Hyub; Eom, Chang-Beom; Schlom, Darrell G; Chen, Long-Qing; Pan, Xiaoqing

2011-02-09

The polarization of the ferroelectric BiFeO(3) sub-jected to different electrical boundary conditions by heterointerfaces is imaged with atomic resolution using a spherical aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope. Unusual triangular-shaped nanodomains are seen, and their role in providing polarization closure is understood through phase-field simulations. Heterointerfaces are key to the performance of ferroelectric devices, and this first observation of spontaneous vortex nanodomain arrays at ferroelectric heterointerfaces reveals properties unlike the surrounding film including mixed Ising-Néel domain walls, which will affect switching behavior, and a drastic increase of in-plane polarization. The importance of magnetization closure has long been appreciated in multidomain ferromagnetic systems; imaging this analogous effect with atomic resolution at ferroelectric heterointerfaces provides the ability to see device-relevant interface issues. Extension of this technique to visualize domain dynamics is envisioned.

Single nanopore transport of synthetic and biological polyelectrolytes in three-dimensional hybrid microfluidic/nanofluidic devices

DOE PAGES

King, Travis L.; Gatimu, Enid N.; Bohn, Paul W.

2009-01-02

This paper presents a study of electrokinetic transport in single nanopores integrated into vertically-stacked three-dimensional hybrid microfluidic/nanofluidic structures. In these devices single nanopores, created by focused ion beam (FIB) milling in thin polymer films, provide fluidic connection between two vertically separated, perpendicular microfluidic channels. Experiments address both systems in which the nanoporous membrane is composed of the same (homojunction) or different (heterojunction) polymer as the microfluidic channels. These devices are then used to study the electrokinetic transport properties of synthetic (i.e., polystyrene sulfonate and polyallylamine) and biological (i.e.,DNA) polyelectrolytes across these nanopores. Single nanopore transport of polyelectrolytes across these nanoporesmore » using both electrical current measurements and confocal microscopy. Both optical and electrical measurements indicate that electroosmotic transport is predominant over electrophoresis in single nanopores with d > 180 nm, consistent with results obtained under similar conditions for nanocapillary array membranes.« less

Quantitative detection of liver-relevant biomarkers by SERS-immunolabeled gold nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Payne, William Mark

Lab-on-a-chip technology has the potential to rapidly change the way experiments are conducted in a variety of fields ranging from medicine to environmental science. Specifically, sensors, detectors, and monitoring devices are increasingly being miniaturized to perform many experiments or measurements on a single chip. In this research, we develop an immunolabeled gold nanoparticle complex capable of detecting liver organoid biomarkers intended for use in a microfluidic device. Human Serum Albumin (HSA) and alpha-Glutathione S-Transferase (alpha-GST) are liver biomarkers that indicate liver health and damage respectively. Herein we demonstrate detection of the liver organoid biomarkers at nanomolar concentrations. Through plasmonic coupling induced by aggregation in the presence of analyte, the SERS signal obtained from the nanoparticles is dramatically increased. Furthermore, detection is demonstrated in a simple fluidic device to show the feasibility of implementing an optimized SERS-immunolabeled nanoparticle for translational application.

System and method for confining an object to a region of fluid flow having a stagnation point

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schroeder, Charles M. (Inventor); Babcock, Hazen P. (Inventor); Shaqfeh, Eric S. G. (Inventor); Chu, Steven (Inventor)

2006-01-01

A device for confining an object to a region proximate to a fluid flow stagnation point includes one or more inlets for carrying the fluid into the region, one or more outlets for carrying the fluid out of the region, and a controller, in fluidic communication with the inlets and outlets, for adjusting the motion of the fluid to produce a stagnation point in the region, thereby confining the object to the region. Applications include, for example, prolonged observation of the object, manipulation of the object, etc. The device optionally may employ a feedback control mechanism, a sensing apparatus (e.g., for imaging), and a storage medium for storing, and a computer for analyzing and manipulating, data acquired from observing the object. The invention further provides methods of using such a device and system in a number of fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, material science, and medical science.

Coating and Patterning Functional Materials for Large Area Electrofluidic Arrays

PubMed Central

Wu, Hao; Tang, Biao; Hayes, Robert A.; Dou, Yingying; Guo, Yuanyuan; Jiang, Hongwei; Zhou, Guofu

2016-01-01

Industrialization of electrofluidic devices requires both high performance coating laminates and efficient material utilization on large area substrates. Here we show that screen printing can be effectively used to provide homogeneous pin-hole free patterned amorphous fluoropolymer dielectric layers to provide both the insulating and fluidic reversibility required for devices. Subsequently, we over-coat photoresist using slit coating on this normally extremely hydrophobic layer. In this way, we are able to pattern the photoresist by conventional lithography to provide the chemical contrast required for liquids dosing by self-assembly and highly-reversible electrofluidic switching. Materials, interfacial chemistry, and processing all contribute to the provision of the required engineered substrate properties. Coating homogeneity as characterized by metrology and device performance data are used to validate the methodology, which is well-suited for transfer to high volume production in existing LCD cell-making facilities. PMID:28773826

Coating and Patterning Functional Materials for Large Area Electrofluidic Arrays.

PubMed

Wu, Hao; Tang, Biao; Hayes, Robert A; Dou, Yingying; Guo, Yuanyuan; Jiang, Hongwei; Zhou, Guofu

2016-08-19

Industrialization of electrofluidic devices requires both high performance coating laminates and efficient material utilization on large area substrates. Here we show that screen printing can be effectively used to provide homogeneous pin-hole free patterned amorphous fluoropolymer dielectric layers to provide both the insulating and fluidic reversibility required for devices. Subsequently, we over-coat photoresist using slit coating on this normally extremely hydrophobic layer. In this way, we are able to pattern the photoresist by conventional lithography to provide the chemical contrast required for liquids dosing by self-assembly and highly-reversible electrofluidic switching. Materials, interfacial chemistry, and processing all contribute to the provision of the required engineered substrate properties. Coating homogeneity as characterized by metrology and device performance data are used to validate the methodology, which is well-suited for transfer to high volume production in existing LCD cell-making facilities.

Fluidics platform and method for sample preparation and analysis

DOEpatents

Benner, W. Henry; Dzenitis, John M.; Bennet, William J.; Baker, Brian R.

2014-08-19

Herein provided are fluidics platform and method for sample preparation and analysis. The fluidics platform is capable of analyzing DNA from blood samples using amplification assays such as polymerase-chain-reaction assays and loop-mediated-isothermal-amplification assays. The fluidics platform can also be used for other types of assays and analyzes. In some embodiments, a sample in a sealed tube can be inserted directly. The following isolation, detection, and analyzes can be performed without a user's intervention. The disclosed platform may also comprises a sample preparation system with a magnetic actuator, a heater, and an air-drying mechanism, and fluid manipulation processes for extraction, washing, elution, assay assembly, assay detection, and cleaning after reactions and between samples.

Microfluidic devices for the controlled manipulation of small volumes

DOEpatents

Ramsey, J Michael [Knoxville, TN; Jacobson, Stephen C [Knoxville, TN

2003-02-25

A method for conducting a broad range of biochemical analyses or manipulations on a series of nano- to subnanoliter reaction volumes and an apparatus for carrying out the same are disclosed. The method and apparatus are implemented on a fluidic microchip to provide high serial throughput. The method and device of the invention also lend themselves to multiple parallel analyses and manipulation to provide greater throughput for the generation of biochemical information. In particular, the disclosed device is a microfabricated channel device that can manipulate nanoliter or subnanoliter biochemical reaction volumes in a controlled manner to produce results at rates of 1 to 10 Hz per channel. The individual reaction volumes are manipulated in serial fashion analogous to a digital shift register. The method and apparatus according to this invention have application to such problems as screening molecular or cellular targets using single beads from split-synthesis combinatorial libraries, screening single cells for RNA or protein expression, genetic diagnostic screening at the single cell level, or performing single cell signal transduction studies.

Integrated Microfluidic Gas Sensors for Water Monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, L.; Sniadecki, N.; DeVoe, D. L.; Beamesderfer, M.; Semancik, S.; DeVoe, D. L.

2003-01-01

A silicon-based microhotplate tin oxide (SnO2) gas sensor integrated into a polymer-based microfluidic system for monitoring of contaminants in water systems is presented. This device is designed to sample a water source, control the sample vapor pressure within a microchannel using integrated resistive heaters, and direct the vapor past the integrated gas sensor for analysis. The sensor platform takes advantage of novel technology allowing direct integration of discrete silicon chips into a larger polymer microfluidic substrate, including seamless fluidic and electrical interconnects between the substrate and silicon chip.

Encapsulated microsensors for reservoir interrogation

DOEpatents

Scott, Eddie Elmer; Aines, Roger D.; Spadaccini, Christopher M.

2016-03-08

In one general embodiment, a system includes at least one microsensor configured to detect one or more conditions of a fluidic medium of a reservoir; and a receptacle, wherein the receptacle encapsulates the at least one microsensor. In another general embodiment, a method include injecting the encapsulated at least one microsensor as recited above into a fluidic medium of a reservoir; and detecting one or more conditions of the fluidic medium of the reservoir.

High-Order Dielectric Metasurfaces for High-Efficiency Polarization Beam Splitters and Optical Vortex Generators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Zhongyi; Zhu, Lie; Guo, Kai; Shen, Fei; Yin, Zhiping

2017-08-01

In this paper, a high-order dielectric metasurface based on silicon nanobrick array is proposed and investigated. By controlling the length and width of the nanobricks, the metasurfaces could supply two different incremental transmission phases for the X-linear-polarized (XLP) and Y-linear-polarized (YLP) light with extremely high efficiency over 88%. Based on the designed metasurface, two polarization beam splitters working in high-order diffraction modes have been designed successfully, which demonstrated a high transmitted efficiency. In addition, we have also designed two vortex-beam generators working in high-order diffraction modes to create vortex beams with the topological charges of 2 and 3. The employment of dielectric metasurfaces operating in high-order diffraction modes could pave the way for a variety of new ultra-efficient optical devices.

A wind tunnel investigation of the effects of micro-vortex generators and Gurney flaps on the high-lift characteristics of a business jet wing. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martuccio, Michelle Therese

1994-01-01

A study of a full-scale, semi-span business jet wing has been conducted to investigate the potential of two types of high-lift devices for improving aircraft high-lift performance. The research effort involved low-speed wind-tunnel tests of micro-vortex generators and Gurney flaps applied to the flap system of the business jet wing and included force and moment measurements, surface pressure surveys and flow visualization on the wing and flap. Results showed that the micro-vortex generators tested had no beneficial effects on the longitudinal force characteristics in this particular application, while the Gurney flaps were an effective means of increasing lift. However, the Gurney flaps also caused an increase in drag in most circumstances.

Boundary-layer-ingesting inlet flow control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Owens, Lewis R. (Inventor); Allan, Brian G. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A system for reducing distortion at the aerodynamic interface plane of a boundary-layer-ingesting inlet using a combination of active and passive flow control devices is disclosed. Active flow control jets and vortex generating vanes are used in combination to reduce distortion across a range of inlet operating conditions. Together, the vortex generating vanes can reduce most of the inlet distortion and the active flow control jets can be used at a significantly reduced control jet mass flow rate to make sure the inlet distortion stays low as the inlet mass flow rate varies. Overall inlet distortion, measured and described as average SAE circumferential distortion descriptor, was maintained at a value of 0.02 or less. Advantageous arrangements and orientations of the active flow control jets and the vortex generating vanes were developed using computational fluid dynamics simulations and wind tunnel experimentations.

Study on stair-step liquid triggered capillary valve for microfluidic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lei; Jones, Ben; Majeed, Bivragh; Nishiyama, Yukari; Okumura, Yasuaki; Stakenborg, Tim

2018-06-01

In lab-on-a-chip systems, various microfluidic technologies are being developed to handle fluids at very small quantities, e.g. in the scale of nano- or pico-liter. To achieve autonomous fluid handling at a low cost, passive fluidic control, based on the capillary force between the liquid and microchannel surface, is of the utmost interest in the microsystem. Valves are an essential component for flow control in many microfluidic systems, which enables a sequence of fluidic operations to be performed. In this paper, we present a new passive valve structure for a capillary driven microfluidic device. It is a variation of a capillary trigger valve that is amenable to silicon microfabrication; it will be referred to as a stair-step liquid triggered valve. In this paper, the valve functionality and its dependencies on channel geometry, surface contact angle, and surface roughness are studied both experimentally and with numerical modeling. The effect of the contact angle was explored in experiments on the silicon microfabricated valve structure; a maximal working contact angle, above which the valve fails to be triggered, was demonstrated. The fluidic behavior in the stair-step channel structure was further explored computationally using the finite volume method with the volume-of-fluid approach. Surface roughness due to scalloping of the sidewall during the Bosch etch process was hypothesized to reduce the sidewall contact angle. The reduced contact angle has considerable impacts on the capillary pressure as the liquid vapor interface traverses the stair-step structure of the valve. An improved match in the maximal working contact angle between the experiments and model was obtained when considering this surface roughness effect.

A Disposable Tear Glucose Biosensor—Part 2: System Integration and Model Validation

PubMed Central

La Belle, Jeffrey T.; Bishop, Daniel K.; Vossler, Stephen R.; Patel, Dharmendra R.; Cook, Curtiss B.

2010-01-01

Background We presented a concept for a tear glucose sensor system in an article by Bishop and colleagues in this issue of Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. A unique solution to collect tear fluid and measure glucose was developed. Individual components were selected, tested, and optimized, and system error modeling was performed. Further data on prototype testing are now provided. Methods An integrated fluidics portion of the prototype was designed, cast, and tested. A sensor was created using screen-printed sensors integrated with a silicone rubber fluidics system and absorbent polyurethane foam. A simulated eye surface was prepared using fluid-saturated poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) sheets, and the disposable prototype was tested for both reproducibility at 0, 200, and 400 μM glucose (n = 7) and dynamic range of glucose detection from 0 to 1000 μM glucose. Results From the replicated runs, an established relative standard deviation of 15.8% was calculated at 200 μM and a lower limit of detection was calculated at 43.4 μM. A linear dynamic range was demonstrated from 0 to 1000 μM with an R2 of 99.56%. The previously developed model predicted a 14.9% variation. This compares to the observed variance of 15.8% measured at 200 μM glucose. Conclusion With the newly designed fluidics component, an integrated tear glucose prototype was assembled and tested. Testing of this integrated prototype demonstrated a satisfactory lower limit of detection for measuring glucose concentration in tears and was reproducible across a physiological sampling range. The next step in the device design process will be initial animal studies to evaluate the current prototype for factors such as eye irritation, ease of use, and correlation with blood glucose. PMID:20307390

A disposable tear glucose biosensor-part 2: system integration and model validation.

PubMed

La Belle, Jeffrey T; Bishop, Daniel K; Vossler, Stephen R; Patel, Dharmendra R; Cook, Curtiss B

2010-03-01

We presented a concept for a tear glucose sensor system in an article by Bishop and colleagues in this issue of Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. A unique solution to collect tear fluid and measure glucose was developed. Individual components were selected, tested, and optimized, and system error modeling was performed. Further data on prototype testing are now provided. An integrated fluidics portion of the prototype was designed, cast, and tested. A sensor was created using screen-printed sensors integrated with a silicone rubber fluidics system and absorbent polyurethane foam. A simulated eye surface was prepared using fluid-saturated poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) sheets, and the disposable prototype was tested for both reproducibility at 0, 200, and 400 microM glucose (n = 7) and dynamic range of glucose detection from 0 to 1000 microM glucose. From the replicated runs, an established relative standard deviation of 15.8% was calculated at 200 microM and a lower limit of detection was calculated at 43.4 microM. A linear dynamic range was demonstrated from 0 to 1000 microM with an R(2) of 99.56%. The previously developed model predicted a 14.9% variation. This compares to the observed variance of 15.8% measured at 200 microM glucose. With the newly designed fluidics component, an integrated tear glucose prototype was assembled and tested. Testing of this integrated prototype demonstrated a satisfactory lower limit of detection for measuring glucose concentration in tears and was reproducible across a physiological sampling range. The next step in the device design process will be initial animal studies to evaluate the current prototype for factors such as eye irritation, ease of use, and correlation with blood glucose. (c) 2010 Diabetes Technology Society.

Manufacturing process of nanofluidics using afm probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karingula, Varun Kumar

A new process for fabricating a nano fluidic device that can be used in medical application is developed and demonstrated. Nano channels are fabricated using a nano tip in indentation mode on AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy). The nano channels are integrated between the micro channels and act as a filter to separate biomolecules. Nano channels of 4 to7 m in length, 80nm in width, and at varying depths from 100nm to 850 nm allow the resulting device to separate selected groups of lysosomes and other viruses. Sharply developed vertical micro channels are produced from a deep reaction ion etching followed by deposition of different materials, such as gold and polymers, on the top surface, allowing the study of alternative ways of manufacturing a nanofluidic device. PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) bonding is performed to close the top surface of the device. An experimental setup is used to test and validate the device by pouring fluid through the channels. A detailed cost evaluation is conducted to compare the economical merits of the proposed process. It is shown that there is a 47:7% manufacturing time savings and a 60:6% manufacturing cost savings.

Passive Microfluidic device for Sub Millisecond Mixing

PubMed Central

McMahon, Jay; Mohamed, Hisham; Barnard, David; Shaikh, Tanvir R.; Mannella, Carmen A.; Wagenknecht, Terence; Lu, Toh-Ming

2009-01-01

We report the investigation of a novel microfluidic mixing device to achieve submillisecond mixing. The micromixer combines two fluid streams of several microliters per second into a mixing compartment integrated with two T- type premixers and 4 butterfly-shaped in-channel mixing elements. We have employed three dimensional fluidic simulations to evaluate the mixing efficiency, and have constructed physical devices utilizing conventional microfabrication techniques. The simulation indicated thorough mixing at flow rate as low as 6 µL/s. The corresponding mean residence time is 0.44 ms for 90% of the particles simulated, or 0.49 ms for 95% of the particles simulated, respectively. The mixing efficiency of the physical device was also evaluated using fluorescein dye solutions and FluoSphere-red nanoparticles suspensions. The constructed micromixers achieved thorough mixing at the same flow rate of 6 µL/s, with the mixing indices of 96% ± 1%, and 98% ± 1% for the dye and the nanoparticle, respectively. The experimental results are consistent with the simulation data. The device demonstrated promising capabilities for time resolved studies for macromolecular dynamics of biological macromolecules. PMID:20161619

Fluidic self-actuating control assembly

DOEpatents

Grantz, Alan L.

1979-01-01

A fluidic self-actuating control assembly for use in a reactor wherein no external control inputs are required to actuate (scram) the system. The assembly is constructed to scram upon sensing either a sudden depressurization of reactor inlet flow or a sudden increase in core neutron flux. A fluidic control system senses abnormal flow or neutron flux transients and actuates the system, whereupon assembly coolant flow reverses, forcing absorber balls into the reactor core region.

Optofluidic encapsulation and manipulation of silicon microchips using image processing based optofluidic maskless lithography and railed microfluidics.

PubMed

Chung, Su Eun; Lee, Seung Ah; Kim, Jiyun; Kwon, Sunghoon

2009-10-07

We demonstrate optofluidic encapsulation of silicon microchips using image processing based optofluidic maskless lithography and manipulation using railed microfluidics. Optofluidic maskless lithography is a dynamic photopolymerization technique of free-floating microstructures within a fluidic channel using spatial light modulator. Using optofluidic maskless lithography via computer-vision aided image processing, polymer encapsulants are fabricated for chip protection and guiding-fins for efficient chip conveying within a fluidic channel. Encapsulated silicon chips with guiding-fins are assembled using railed microfluidics, which is an efficient guiding and heterogeneous self-assembly system of microcomponents. With our technology, externally fabricated silicon microchips are encapsulated, fluidically guided and self-assembled potentially enabling low cost fluidic manipulation and assembly of integrated circuits.

A new approach on anti-vortex devices at water intakes including a submerged water jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tahershamsi, Ahmad; Rahimzadeh, Hassan; Monshizadeh, Morteza; Sarkardeh, Hamed

2018-04-01

A new approach on anti-vortex methods as hydraulic-based anti-vortex was investigated experimentally in the present study. In the investigated method, a submerged water jet is used as the anti-vortex mechanism. The added jet acts as a source of external momentum. This leads to change the intake-induced hydrodynamic pattern in the near-field of the intake structure, which can prevent formation of undesirable intake vortices. The experiments were carried out on a horizontal pipe intake. By performing 570 test cases in two different categories, including the inclined jet with respect to the axis of the intake, and the inclined jet with respect to the water surface, the effects of the jet inclination angle on the anti-vortex performance were investigated. It was found that the inclined jet with respect to the water surface is the best alternative to consider as the water jet injection pattern. Results showed that using the inclined jet with respect to the water surface can simply reduce the amounts of the expected water jet momentum more than 50% compared to that of the similar condition of the horizontal injection pattern. Moreover, it was concluded that the intake critical submergence can easily be minimized using the inclined jet with respect to the water surface.

An experimental investigation of bending wave instability modes in a generic four-vortex wake

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Babie, Brian M.; Nelson, Robert C.

2010-07-15

An experimental study of a planar wake consisting of four vortices that simulate the trailing vortex wakes generated by transport airplanes in either takeoff or landing configurations is presented. The objective of this study was to examine naturally occurring wake instabilities. Specifically, the focus of the study was centered on bending wave instabilities of which the Crow instability represents a particular case. A unique method of generating a four-vortex wake was developed for this study. The four-vortex wake generating device permitted direct variation of the spacing between vortices as well as control over the vortex circulation strength. Two quantitative flowmore » visualization experiments were instrumental in identifying wake configurations that were conducive to the rapid growth of bending wave modes and in the identification of the long-wavelength mode. Detailed experiments were also conducted to examine the flow structure in the near-field or roll-up region using a four sensor, hot-wire probe that could measure all three velocity components in the wake simultaneously. The results of both the flow visualization and hot-wire experiments indicate that the long-wavelength mode and the first short-wavelength mode likely dominate the far-field wake physics and may potentially be utilized in a wake control strategy.« less

Effect of Mach number, valve angle and length to diameter ratio on thermal performance in flow of air through Ranque Hilsch vortex tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devade, Kiran D.; Pise, Ashok T.

2017-01-01

Ranque Hilsch vortex tube is a device that can produce cold and hot air streams simultaneously from pressurized air. Performance of vortex tube is influenced by a number of geometrical and operational parameters. In this study parametric analysis of vortex tube is carried out. Air is used as the working fluid and geometrical parameters like length to diameter ratio (15, 16, 17, 18), exit valve angles (30°-90°), orifice diameters (5, 6 and 7 mm), 2 entry nozzles and tube divergence angle 4° is used for experimentation. Operational parameters like pressure (200-600 kPa), cold mass fraction (0-1) is varied and effect of Mach number at the inlet of the tube is investigated. The vortex tube is tested at sub sonic (0 < Ma < 1), sonic (Ma = 1) and supersonic (1 < Ma < 2) Mach number, and its effect on thermal performance is analysed. As a result it is observed that, higher COP and low cold end temperature is obtained at subsonic Ma. As CMF increases, COP rises and cold and temperature drops. Optimum performance of the tube is observed for CMF up to 0.5. Experimental correlations are proposed for optimum COP. Parametric correlation is developed for geometrical and operational parameters.

Proof-of-principle experiment of measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution with vector vortex beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Chen; Zhao, Shang-Hong; Li, Wei; Yang, Jian

2018-03-01

In this paper, by combining measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution (MDI-QKD) scheme with entangled photon sources, we present a modified MDI-QKD scheme with pairs of vector vortex(VV) beams, which shows a structure of hybrid entangled entanglement corresponding to intrasystem entanglement and intersystem entanglement. The former entanglement, which is entangled between polarization and orbit angular momentum within each VV beam, is adopted to overcome the polarization misalignment associated with random rotations in quantum key distribution. The latter entanglement, which is entangled between the two VV beams, is used to perform entangled-based MDI-QKD protocol with pair of VV beams to inherit the merit of long distance. The numerical simulations show that our modified scheme can tolerate 97dB with practical detectors. Furthermore, our modified protocol only needs to insert q-plates in practical experiment.

An analytical design procedure for the determination of effective leading edge extensions on thick delta wings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ghaffari, F.; Chaturvedi, S. K.

1984-01-01

An analytical design procedure for leading edge extensions (LEE) was developed for thick delta wings. This LEE device is designed to be mounted to a wing along the pseudo-stagnation stream surface associated with the attached flow design lift coefficient of greater than zero. The intended purpose of this device is to improve the aerodynamic performance of high subsonic and low supersonic aircraft at incidences above that of attached flow design lift coefficient, by using a vortex system emanating along the leading edges of the device. The low pressure associated with these vortices would act on the LEE upper surface and the forward facing area at the wing leading edges, providing an additional lift and effective leading edge thrust recovery. The first application of this technique was to a thick, round edged, twisted and cambered wing of approximately triangular planform having a sweep of 58 deg and aspect ratio of 2.30. The panel aerodynamics and vortex lattice method with suction analogy computer codes were employed to determine the pseudo-stagnation stream surface and an optimized LEE planform shape.

Control of unsteady separated flow associated with the dynamic pitching of airfoils

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahmed, Sajeer

1991-01-01

Although studies have been done to understand the dependence of parameters for the occurrence of deep stall, studies to control the flow for sustaining lift for a longer time has been little. To sustain the lift for a longer time, an understanding of the development of the flow over the airfoil is essential. Studies at high speed are required to study how the flow behavior is dictated by the effects of compressibility. When the airfoil is pitched up in ramp motion or during the upstroke of an oscillatory cycle, the flow development on the upper surface of the airfoil and the formation of the vortex dictates the increase in lift behavior. Vortex shedding past the training edge decreases the lift. It is not clear what is the mechanism associated with the unsteady separation and vortex formation in present unsteady environment. To develop any flow control device, to suppress the vortex formation or delay separation, it is important that this mechanism be properly understood. The research activities directed toward understanding these questions are presented and the results are summarized.

Hybrid LES/RANS Simulation of the Effects of Boundary Layer Control Devices Using Immersed Boundary Methods

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-22

any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a... its use in simulating the effects of different types of flow control devices: micro vortex generators, bleed-hole arrays, aero- elastically...large scale, and that local pressure differences can lead to periodic blowing / suction even in “active” control devices [5], it appears that

Detection of cavitation vortex in hydraulic turbines using acoustic techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Candel, I.; Bunea, F.; Dunca, G.; Bucur, D. M.; Ioana, C.; Reeb, B.; Ciocan, G. D.

2014-03-01

Cavitation phenomena are known for their destructive capacity in hydraulic machineries and are caused by the pressure decrease followed by an implosion when the cavitation bubbles find an adverse pressure gradient. A helical vortex appears in the turbine diffuser cone at partial flow rate operation and can be cavitating in its core. Cavity volumes and vortex frequencies vary with the under-pressure level. If the vortex frequency comes close to one of the eigen frequencies of the turbine, a resonance phenomenon may occur, the unsteady fluctuations can be amplified and lead to important turbine and hydraulic circuit damage. Conventional cavitation vortex detection techniques are based on passive devices (pressure sensors or accelerometers). Limited sensor bandwidths and low frequency response limit the vortex detection and characterization information provided by the passive techniques. In order to go beyond these techniques and develop a new active one that will remove these drawbacks, previous work in the field has shown that techniques based on acoustic signals using adapted signal content to a particular hydraulic situation, can be more robust and accurate. The cavitation vortex effects in the water flow profile downstream hydraulic turbines runner are responsible for signal content modifications. Basic signal techniques use narrow band signals traveling inside the flow from an emitting transducer to a receiving one (active sensors). Emissions of wide band signals in the flow during the apparition and development of the vortex embeds changes in the received signals. Signal processing methods are used to estimate the cavitation apparition and evolution. Tests done in a reduced scale facility showed that due to the increasing flow rate, the signal -- vortex interaction is seen as modifications on the received signal's high order statistics and bandwidth. Wide band acoustic transducers have a higher dynamic range over mechanical elements; the system's reaction time is reduced, resulting in a faster detection of the unwanted effects. The paper will present an example of this new investigation technique on a vortex generator in the test facility that belongs to ICPE- CA.

Tandem array of nanoelectronic readers embedded coplanar to a fluidic nanochannel for correlated single biopolymer analysis

PubMed Central

Lesser-Rojas, Leonardo; Sriram, K. K.; Liao, Kuo-Tang; Lai, Shui-Chin; Kuo, Pai-Chia; Chu, Ming-Lee; Chou, Chia-Fu

2014-01-01

We have developed a two-step electron-beam lithography process to fabricate a tandem array of three pairs of tip-like gold nanoelectronic detectors with electrode gap size as small as 9 nm, embedded in a coplanar fashion to 60 nm deep, 100 nm wide, and up to 150 μm long nanochannels coupled to a world-micro-nanofluidic interface for easy sample introduction. Experimental tests with a sealed device using DNA-protein complexes demonstrate the coplanarity of the nanoelectrodes to the nanochannel surface. Further, this device could improve transverse current detection by correlated time-of-flight measurements of translocating samples, and serve as an autocalibrated velocimeter and nanoscale tandem Coulter counters for single molecule analysis of heterogeneous samples. PMID:24753731

Integrated multiple patch-clamp array chip via lateral cell trapping junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, J.; Ionescu-Zanetti, C.; Diamond, J.; Lal, R.; Lee, L. P.

2004-03-01

We present an integrated multiple patch-clamp array chip by utilizing lateral cell trapping junctions. The intersectional design of a microfluidic network provides multiple cell addressing and manipulation sites for efficient electrophysiological measurements at a number of patch sites. The patch pores consist of openings in the sidewall of a main fluidic channel, and a membrane patch is drawn into a smaller horizontal channel. This device geometry not only minimizes capacitive coupling between the cell reservoir and the patch channel, but also allows simultaneous optical and electrical measurements of ion channel proteins. Evidence of the hydrodynamic placement of mammalian cells at the patch sites as well as measurements of patch sealing resistance is presented. Device fabrication is based on micromolding of polydimethylsiloxane, thus allowing inexpensive mass production of disposable high-throughput biochips.

Harnessing Thermoresponsive Aptamers and Gels To Trap and Release Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ya; Kuksenok, Olga; He, Ximin; Aizenberg, Michael; Aizenberg, Joanna; Balazs, Anna

We use computational modeling to design a device that can controllably trap and release particles in solution in response to variations in temperature. The system exploits the thermoresponsive properties of end-grafted fibers and the underlying gel substrate. The fibers mimic the temperature-dependent behavior of biological aptamers, which form a hairpin structure at low temperatures (T) and unfold at higher T, consequently losing their binding affinity. The gel substrate exhibits a lower critical solution temperature and thus, expands at low tempertures and contracts at higher T. By developing a new dissipative particle dynamics simulation, we examine the behavior of this hybrid system in a flowing fluid that contains buoyant nanoparticles. Our findings provide guidelines for creating fluidic devices that are effective at purifying contaminated solutions or trapping cells for biological assays.

Optothermally actuated capillary burst valve

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eriksen, Johan; Bilenberg, Brian; Kristensen, Anders; Marie, Rodolphe

2017-04-01

We demonstrate the optothermal actuation of individual capillary burst valves in an all-polymer microfluidic device. The capillary burst valves are realised in a planar design by introducing a fluidic constriction in a microfluidic channel of constant depth. We show that a capillary burst valve can be burst by raising the temperature due to the temperature dependence of the fluid surface tension. We address individual valves by using a local heating platform based on a thin film of near infrared absorber dye embedded in the lid used to seal the microfluidic device [L. H. Thamdrup et al., Nano Lett. 10, 826-832 (2010)]. An individual valve is burst by focusing the laser in its vicinity. We demonstrate the capture of single polystyrene 7 μm beads in the constriction triggered by the bursting of the valve.

Microfluidic PMMA interfaces for rectangular glass capillaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evander, Mikael; Tenje, Maria

2014-02-01

We present the design and fabrication of a polymeric capillary fluidic interface fabricated by micro-milling. The design enables the use of glass capillaries with any kind of cross-section in complex microfluidic setups. We demonstrate two different designs of the interface; a double-inlet interface for hydrodynamic focusing and a capillary interface with integrated pneumatic valves. Both capillary interfaces are presented together with examples of practical applications. This communication shows the design optimization and presents details of the fabrication process. The capillary interface opens up for the use of complex microfluidic systems in single-use glass capillaries. They also enable simple fabrication of glass/polymer hybrid devices that can be beneficial in many research fields where a pure polymer chip negatively affects the device's performance, e.g. acoustofluidics.

Nonlinear piezoelectric devices for broadband air-flow energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Y.; Havránek, Z.; Tofel, P.; Meggs, C.; Hughes, H.; Button, T. W.

2015-11-01

This paper presents preliminary work on an investigation of a nonlinear air-flow energy harvester integrating magnets and a piezoelectric cantilever array. Two individual piezoelectric cantilevers with the structure of free-standing multi-layer thick-films have been fabricated and assembled with a free-spinning fan. The cantilevers were attached with different tip masses thereby achieving separated resonant frequencies. Also, permanent magnets were fixed onto the blades of the fan as well as the tips of the cantilevers, in order to create nonlinear coupling and transfer fluidic movement into mechanical oscillation. The device has been tested in a wind tunnel. Bifurcations in the spectra of the blade rotation speed of the fan as a function of output voltage have been observed, and a bandwidth (blade rotation speed range) widening effect has been achieved.

Integration of systems biology with organs-on-chips to humanize therapeutic development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edington, Collin D.; Cirit, Murat; Chen, Wen Li Kelly; Clark, Amanda M.; Wells, Alan; Trumper, David L.; Griffith, Linda G.

2017-02-01

"Mice are not little people" - a refrain becoming louder as the gaps between animal models and human disease become more apparent. At the same time, three emerging approaches are headed toward integration: powerful systems biology analysis of cell-cell and intracellular signaling networks in patient-derived samples; 3D tissue engineered models of human organ systems, often made from stem cells; and micro-fluidic and meso-fluidic devices that enable living systems to be sustained, perturbed and analyzed for weeks in culture. Integration of these rapidly moving fields has the potential to revolutionize development of therapeutics for complex, chronic diseases, including those that have weak genetic bases and substantial contributions from gene-environment interactions. Technical challenges in modeling complex diseases with "organs on chips" approaches include the need for relatively large tissue masses and organ-organ cross talk to capture systemic effects, such that current microfluidic formats often fail to capture the required scale and complexity for interconnected systems. These constraints drive development of new strategies for designing in vitro models, including perfusing organ models, as well as "mesofluidic" pumping and circulation in platforms connecting several organ systems, to achieve the appropriate physiological relevance.

All-organic electrostrictive polymer composites with low driving electrical voltages for micro-fluidic pump applications

PubMed Central

Le, Minh Quyen; Capsal, Jean-Fabien; Galineau, Jérémy; Ganet, Florent; Yin, Xunqian; Yang, Mingchia (Dawn); Chateaux, Jean-François; Renaud, Louis; Malhaire, Christophe; Cottinet, Pierre-Jean; Liang, Richard

2015-01-01

This paper focuses on the improvement of a relaxor ferroelectric terpolymer, i.e., poly (vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE-CFE)], filled with a bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The developed material gave rise to a significantly increased longitudinal electrostrictive strain, as well as an increased mechanical energy density under a relatively low electric field. These features were attributed to the considerably enhanced dielectric permittivity and a decreased Young modulus as a result of the introduction of only small DEHP plasticizer molecules. In addition, the plasticizer-filled terpolymer only exhibited a slight decrease of the dielectric breakdown strength, which was a great advantage with respect to the traditional polymer-based electrostrictive composites. More importantly, the approach proposed herein is promising for the future development and scale-up of new high-performance electrostrictive dielectrics under low applied electrical fields through modification simply by blending with a low-cost plasticizer. An experimental demonstration based on a flexible micro-fluidic application is described at the end of this paper, confirming the attractive characteristics of the proposed materials as well as the feasibility of integrating them as micro-actuators in small-scale devices. PMID:26139015

Lab-On-a-Chip Application Development (LOCAD): Bridging Technology Readiness for Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spearing, Scott F.; Jenkins, Andy

2004-01-01

At Marshall Space Flight Center we have established a capability to investigate the use of microfluidics for space flight. The Lab-On-a-Chip Application Development (LOCAD) team has created a program for advancing Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) of 1 and 2 to TRL 6 and 7, quickly and economically for Lab-On-a-Chip (LOC) applications. Scientists and engineers can utilize LOCAD'S process to efficiently learn about microfluidics and determine if microfluidics is applicable to their needs. Once the applicability has been determined, LOCAD can then perform tests to develop the new fluidic protocols which are different from macro-scale chemical reaction protocols. With this information new micro-fluidic devices can be created and tested. Currently, LOCAD is focused on using microfluidics for both Environmental Monitoring & Control, and Medical Systems. Eventually, handheld portable units utilizing LOC technology will perform rapid tests to determine water quality, and microbial contamination levels. Since LOC technology is drastically reduced in physical size, it thereby reduces power, weight, volume, and sample requirements, a big advantage considering the resource constraints associated with spaceflight. Another one of LOCAD's current activities is the development of a microfluidic system to aid in the search for life on Mars.

A microfluidic platform with integrated arrays for immunologic assays for biological pathogen detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klemm, Richard; Becker, Holger; Hlawatsch, Nadine; Julich, Sandra; Miethe, Peter; Moche, Christian; Schattschneider, Sebastian; Tomaso, Herbert; Gärtner, Claudia

2014-05-01

The ability to integrate complete assays on a microfluidic chip helps to greatly simplify instrument requirements and allows the use of lab-on-a-chip technology in the field. A core application for such field-portable systems is the detection of pathogens in a CBRN scenario such as permanent monitoring of airborne pathogens, e.g. in subway stations or hospitals etc. An immunological assay was chosen as method for the pathogen identification. The conceptual approach was its realization as a lab-on-a-chip system, enabling an easy handling of the sample in an automated manner. The immunological detection takes place on an antibody array directly implemented in the microfluidic network. Different immobilization strategies will be presented showing the performance of the system. Central elements of the disposable microfluidic device like fluidic interface, turning valves, liquid introduction and waste storage, as well as the architecture of measurement and control fluidic network, will be introduced. Overall process times of about 30 minutes were achieved and assays for the detection of Francisella tularensis and Yersinia pestis are presented. An important feature of the integrated lab-on-a-chip approach is that all waste liquids remain on-chip and contamination risks can be avoided.

Modular microfluidic systems using reversibly attached PDMS fluid control modules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skafte-Pedersen, Peder; Sip, Christopher G.; Folch, Albert; Dufva, Martin

2013-05-01

The use of soft lithography-based poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) valve systems is the dominating approach for high-density microscale fluidic control. Integrated systems enable complex flow control and large-scale integration, but lack modularity. In contrast, modular systems are attractive alternatives to integration because they can be tailored for different applications piecewise and without redesigning every element of the system. We present a method for reversibly coupling hard materials to soft lithography defined systems through self-aligning O-ring features thereby enabling easy interfacing of complex-valve-based systems with simpler detachable units. Using this scheme, we demonstrate the seamless interfacing of a PDMS-based fluid control module with hard polymer chips. In our system, 32 self-aligning O-ring features protruding from the PDMS fluid control module form chip-to-control module interconnections which are sealed by tightening four screws. The interconnection method is robust and supports complex fluidic operations in the reversibly attached passive chip. In addition, we developed a double-sided molding method for fabricating PDMS devices with integrated through-holes. The versatile system facilitates a wide range of applications due to the modular approach, where application specific passive chips can be readily attached to the flow control module.

Automated Forensic Animal Family Identification by Nested PCR and Melt Curve Analysis on an Off-the-Shelf Thermocycler Augmented with a Centrifugal Microfluidic Disk Segment

PubMed Central

Zengerle, Roland; von Stetten, Felix; Schmidt, Ulrike

2015-01-01

Nested PCR remains a labor-intensive and error-prone biomolecular analysis. Laboratory workflow automation by precise control of minute liquid volumes in centrifugal microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip systems holds great potential for such applications. However, the majority of these systems require costly custom-made processing devices. Our idea is to augment a standard laboratory device, here a centrifugal real-time PCR thermocycler, with inbuilt liquid handling capabilities for automation. We have developed a microfluidic disk segment enabling an automated nested real-time PCR assay for identification of common European animal groups adapted to forensic standards. For the first time we utilize a novel combination of fluidic elements, including pre-storage of reagents, to automate the assay at constant rotational frequency of an off-the-shelf thermocycler. It provides a universal duplex pre-amplification of short fragments of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA and cytochrome b genes, animal-group-specific main-amplifications, and melting curve analysis for differentiation. The system was characterized with respect to assay sensitivity, specificity, risk of cross-contamination, and detection of minor components in mixtures. 92.2% of the performed tests were recognized as fluidically failure-free sample handling and used for evaluation. Altogether, augmentation of the standard real-time thermocycler with a self-contained centrifugal microfluidic disk segment resulted in an accelerated and automated analysis reducing hands-on time, and circumventing the risk of contamination associated with regular nested PCR protocols. PMID:26147196

Fabrication, measurement, and modeling of electro-osmotic flow in micromachined polymer microchannels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suriyage, Nihal U.; Ghantasala, Muralidhar K.; Iovenitti, Pio; Harvey, Erol C.

2004-03-01

Electroosmotic pumping in the microchannels fabricated in polycarbonate (PC), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) and SU-8 polymer substrates was investigated and species transportation was modeled, in an attempt to show the suitability of low cost polymer materials for the development of disposable microfluidic devices. Microchannels and the fluid reservoirs were fabricated using excimer laser ablation and hot embossing techniques. Typical dimensions of the microchannels were 60μm (width) x 50μm (depth) x 45mm (length). Species transportation in the microchannels under electroosmosis was modeled by finite element method (FEM) with the help of NetFlow module of the CoventorWareTM computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package. In particular, electroosmosis and electrophoresis in a crossed microfluidic channel was modeled to calculate the percentage species mass transportation when the concentration shape of the Gaussian input species plug and the location of the injection point are varied. Change in the concentration shape of the initial species plug while it is electroosmotically transported along the crossed fluidic channel was visualized. Results indicated that Excimer laser ablated PC and PET devices have electroosmotic mobility in the range 2 to 5 x10-4 cm2/V.s, zeta potential 30 to 70 mV and flow rates of the order of 1 to 3 nL/s under an electric field of 200 V/cm. With the electroosmotic mobility value of PC the simulation results show that a crossed fluidic channel is electroosmotically pumping about 91% of the species mass injected along one of its straight channels.

Aeroacoustic Improvements to Fluidic Chevron Nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henderson, Brenda; Kinzie, Kevin; Whitmire, Julia; Abeysinghe, Amal

2006-01-01

Fluidic chevrons use injected air near the trailing edge of a nozzle to emulate mixing and jet noise reduction characteristics of mechanical chevrons. While previous investigations of "first generation" fluidic chevron nozzles showed only marginal improvements in effective perceived noise levels when compared to nozzles without injection, significant improvements in noise reduction characteristics were achieved through redesigned "second generation" nozzles on a bypass ratio 5 model system. The second-generation core nozzles had improved injection passage contours, external nozzle contour lines, and nozzle trailing edges. The new fluidic chevrons resulted in reduced overall sound pressure levels over that of the baseline nozzle for all observation angles. Injection ports with steep injection angles produced lower overall sound pressure levels than those produced by shallow injection angles. The reductions in overall sound pressure levels were the result of noise reductions at low frequencies. In contrast to the first-generation nozzles, only marginal increases in high frequency noise over that of the baseline nozzle were observed for the second-generation nozzles. The effective perceived noise levels of the new fluidic chevrons are shown to approach those of the core mechanical chevrons.

Refractive multiple optical tweezers for parallel biochemical analysis in micro-fluidics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merenda, Fabrice; Rohner, Johann; Pascoal, Pedro; Fournier, Jean-Marc; Vogel, Horst; Salathé, René-Paul

2007-02-01

We present a multiple laser tweezers system based on refractive optics. The system produces an array of 100 optical traps thanks to a refractive microlens array, whose focal plane is imaged into the focal plane of a high-NA microscope objective. This refractive multi-tweezers system is combined to micro-fluidics, aiming at performing simultaneous biochemical reactions on ensembles of free floating objects. Micro-fluidics allows both transporting the particles to the trapping area, and conveying biochemical reagents to the trapped particles. Parallel trapping in micro-fluidics is achieved with polystyrene beads as well as with native vesicles produced from mammalian cells. The traps can hold objects against fluid flows exceeding 100 micrometers per second. Parallel fluorescence excitation and detection on the ensemble of trapped particles is also demonstrated. Additionally, the system is capable of selectively and individually releasing particles from the tweezers array using a complementary steerable laser beam. Strategies for high-yield particle capture and individual particle release in a micro-fluidic environment are discussed. A comparison with diffractive optical tweezers enhances the pros and cons of refractive systems.

Characterizing Laminar Flame Interactions with Turbulent Fluidic Jets and Solid Obstacles for Turbulence Induction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerdts, Stephen; Chambers, Jessica; Ahmed, Kareem

2016-11-01

A detonation engine's fundamental design concept focuses on enhancing the Deflagration to Detonation Transition (DDT), the process through which subsonic flames accelerate to form a spontaneous detonation wave. Flame acceleration is driven by turbulent interactions that expand the reaction zone and induce mixing of products and reactants. Turbulence in a duct can be generated using solid obstructions, fluidic obstacles, duct angle changes, and wall skin friction. Solid obstacles have been previously explored and offer repeatable turbulence induction at the cost of pressure losses and additional system weight. Fluidic jet obstacles are a novel technique that provide advantages such as the ability to be throttled, allowing for active control of combustion modes. The scope of the present work is to expand the experimental database of varying parameters such as main flow and jet equivalence ratios, fluidic momentum ratios, and solid obstacle blockage ratios. Schlieren flow visualization and particle image velocimetry (PIV) are employed to investigate turbulent flame dynamics throughout the interaction. Optimum conditions that lead to flame acceleration for both solid and fluidic obstacles will be determined. American Chemical Society.

Rapid and selective brain cooling method using vortex tube: A feasibility study.

PubMed

Bakhsheshi, Mohammad Fazel; Keenliside, Lynn; Lee, Ting-Yim

2016-05-01

Vortex tubes are simple mechanical devices to produce cold air from a stream of compressed air without any moving parts. The primary focus of the current study is to investigate the feasibility and efficiency of nasopharyngeal brain cooling method using a vortex tube. Experiments were conducted on 5 juvenile pigs. Nasopharygeal brain cooling was achieved by directing cooled air via a catheter in each nostril into the nasal cavities. A vortex tube was used to generate cold air using various sources of compressed air: (I) hospital medical air outlet (n = 1); (II) medical air cylinders (n = 3); and (III) scuba (diving) cylinders (n = 1). By using compressed air from a hospital medical air outlet at fixed inlet pressure of 50 PSI, maximum brain-rectal temperature gradient of -2°C was reached about 45-60 minutes by setting the flow rate of 25 L/min and temperature of -7°C at the cold air outlet. Similarly, by using medical air cylinders at fill-pressure of 2265 PSI and down regulate the inlet pressure to the vortex tube to 50 PSI, brain temperature could be reduced more rapidly by blowing -22°C ± 2°C air at a flow rate of 50 L/min; brain-body temperature gradient of -8°C was obtained about 30 minutes. Furthermore, we examined scuba cylinders as a portable source of compressed gas supply to the vortex tube. Likewise, by setting up the vortex tube to have an inlet pressure of 25 PSI and 50 L/min and -3°C at the cold air outlet, brain temperature decreased 4.5°C within 10-20 min. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Research of the high performance low temperature vortex street flowmeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Feng; Chen, Yang; Zhang, Zhen-peng; Geng, Wei-guo

2007-07-01

Flow measurement is the key method for R&D and operation monitoring of liquid rocket engine. Therefore, it is important to measure flux of low temperature liquid propellants for the liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen or the liquid oxygen/kerosene rocket engine. Presently in China, the level meter and the turbine flowmeter are usually used in the experimentation of the liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen rocket engine. The level meter can only scale average flux and the precision of the turbine flowmeter (the measuring wild point is 1.5%) can not be ensured due to the reason which there is not devices of low temperature real-time demarcation in China. Therefore, it is required to research the high performance low temperature flow measurement equipment and the vortex street flowmeter is selected because of its advantages. In the paper, some key techniques of low temperature vortex street flowmeter are researched from the design aspect. Firstly, the basic theoretical research of vortex street flowmeter includes signal detection method, shape of vortex producer and effects of dimension of vertex producer to vortex quality. Secondly, low temperature vortex street flowmeter adopts the method of piezoelectric components stress mode. As for the weakness of phase-change, lattice change and fragility for many piezoelectric materials in low temperature, it can not be fulfilled piezoelectric signal and mechanism performance under this condition. Some piezoelectric materials which can be used in low temperature are illustrated in the paper by lots of research in order for the farther research. The article places emphasis upon low temperature trait of piezoelectric materials, and the structure designs of signal detector and calculation of stress, electric charge quantity and heat transfer.

An exploratory study of apex fence flaps on a 74 deg delta wing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wahls, R. A.; Vess, R. J.

1985-01-01

An exploratory wind tunnel investigation was performed to observe the flow field effects produced by vertically deployed apex fences on a planar 74 degree delta wing. The delta shaped fences, each comprising approximately 3.375 percent of the wing area, were affixed along the first 25 percent of the wing leading edge in symmetric as well as asymmetric (i.e., fence on one side only) arrangements. The vortex flow field was visualized at angles of attack from 0 to 20 degrees using helium bubble and oil flow techniques; upper surface pressures were also measured along spanwise rows. The results were used to construct a preliminary description of the vortex patterns and induced pressures associated with vertical apex fence deployment. The objective was to obtain an initial evaluation of the potential of apex fences as vortex devices for subsonic lift modulation as well as lateral directional control of delta wing aircraft.

Free-energy landscapes in magnetic systems from metadynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tóbik, Jaroslav; MartoÅák, Roman; Cambel, Vladimír

2017-10-01

The knowledge of the free-energy barriers separating different states is critically important for the assessment of the long-term stability of information stored in magnetic devices. This information, however, is not directly accessible by standard simulations of microscopic models because of the ubiquitous time-scale problem, related to the fact that the transitions among different free-energy minima are characteristic of rare events. Here, we show that by employing the metadynamics algorithm based on suitably chosen collective variables, namely, helicity and circulation, it is possible to reliably recover the free-energy landscape. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach on an example of a vortex nucleation process in a magnetic nanodot with lowered spatial symmetry. With the help of reconstructed free-energy surfaces, we show the origin of symmetry broken vortex nucleation, where one polarity of the nucleated vortex core is preferred, even though only an in-plane magnetic field is present.

A review of digital microfluidics as portable platforms for lab-on a-chip applications.

PubMed

Samiei, Ehsan; Tabrizian, Maryam; Hoorfar, Mina

2016-07-07

Following the development of microfluidic systems, there has been a high tendency towards developing lab-on-a-chip devices for biochemical applications. A great deal of effort has been devoted to improve and advance these devices with the goal of performing complete sets of biochemical assays on the device and possibly developing portable platforms for point of care applications. Among the different microfluidic systems used for such a purpose, digital microfluidics (DMF) shows high flexibility and capability of performing multiplex and parallel biochemical operations, and hence, has been considered as a suitable candidate for lab-on-a-chip applications. In this review, we discuss the most recent advances in the DMF platforms, and evaluate the feasibility of developing multifunctional packages for performing complete sets of processes of biochemical assays, particularly for point-of-care applications. The progress in the development of DMF systems is reviewed from eight different aspects, including device fabrication, basic fluidic operations, automation, manipulation of biological samples, advanced operations, detection, biological applications, and finally, packaging and portability of the DMF devices. Success in developing the lab-on-a-chip DMF devices will be concluded based on the advances achieved in each of these aspects.

Experimental study of delta wing leading-edge devices for drag reduction at high lift

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, T. D., Jr.; Rao, D. M.

1982-01-01

The drag reduction devices selected for evaluation were the fence, slot, pylon-type vortex generator, and sharp leading-edge extension. These devices were tested on a 60 degree flatplate delta (with blunt leading edges) in the Langley Research Center 7- by 10-foot high-speed tunnel at low speed and to angles of attack of 28 degrees. Balance and static pressure measurements were taken. The results indicate that all the devices had significant drag reduction capability and improved longitudinal stability while a slight loss of lift and increased cruise drag occurred.

A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of Swirling Flow Reduction by using Anti-vortex Baffle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, H. Q.; Peugeot, John W.; West, Jeff S..

2013-01-01

An anti-vortex baffle is a liquid propellant management device placed adjacent to an outlet of the propellant tank. Its purpose is to substantially reduce or eliminate the formation of free surface dip and vortex, as well as prevent vapor ingestion into the outlet, as the liquid drains out through the flight. To design an effective anti-vortex baffle, Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations were undertaken for the NASA Ares I vehicle LOX tank subjected to the simulated flight loads with and without the anti-vortex baffle. The Six Degree-Of-Freedom (6- DOF) dynamics experienced by the Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) during ascent were modeled by modifying the momentum equations in a CFD code to accommodate the extra body forces from the maneuvering in a non-inertial frame. The present analysis found that due to large moments, the CLV maneuvering has significant impact on the vortical flow generation inside the tank. Roll maneuvering and side loading due to pitch and yaw are shown to induce swirling flow. The vortical flow due to roll is symmetrical with respect to the tank centerline, while those induced by pitch and yaw maneuverings showed two vortices side by side. The study found that without the anti-vortex baffle, the swirling flow caused surface dip during the late stage of drainage and hence early vapor ingestion. The flow can also be non-uniform in the drainage pipe as the secondary swirling flow velocity component can be as high as 10% of the draining velocity. An analysis of the vortex dynamics shows that the swirling flow in the drainage pipe during the Upper Stage burn is mainly the result of residual vortices inside the tank due to conservation of angular momentum. The study demonstrated that the swirling flow in the drainage pipe can be effectively suppressed by employing the anti-vortex baffle.

A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of Swirling Flow Reduction by Using Anti-Vortex Baffle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, H. Q.; Peugeot, John W.; West, Jeff S.

2017-01-01

An anti-vortex baffle is a liquid propellant management device placed adjacent to an outlet of the propellant tank. Its purpose is to substantially reduce or eliminate the formation of free surface dip and vortex, as well as prevent vapor ingestion into the outlet, as the liquid drains out through the flight. To design an effective anti-vortex baffle, Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations were undertaken for the NASA Ares I vehicle LOX tank subjected to the simulated flight loads with and without the anti-vortex baffle. The Six Degree-Of-Freedom (6-DOF) dynamics experienced by the Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) during ascent were modeled by modifying the momentum equations in a CFD code to accommodate the extra body forces from the maneuvering in a non-inertial frame. The present analysis found that due to large moments, the CLV maneuvering has a significant impact on the vortical flow generation inside the tank. Roll maneuvering and side loading due to pitch and yaw are shown to induce swirling flow. The vortical flow due to roll is symmetrical with respect to the tank centerline, while those induced by pitch and yaw maneuverings showed two vortices side by side. The study found that without the anti-vortex baffle, the swirling flow caused surface dip during the late stage of drainage and hence early vapor ingestion. The flow can also be non-uniform in the drainage pipe as the secondary swirling flow velocity component can be as high as 10% of the draining velocity. An analysis of the vortex dynamics shows that the swirling flow in the drainage pipe during the Upper Stage burn is mainly the result of residual vortices inside the tank due to the conservation of angular momentum. The study demonstrated that the swirling flow in the drainage pipe can be effectively suppressed by employing the anti-vortex baffle.

Experimental investigation of the noise reduction of supersonic exhaust jets with fluidic inserts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powers, Russell William Walter

The noise produced by the supersonic, high temperature jets that exhaust from military aircraft is becoming a hazard to naval personnel and a disturbance to communities near military bases. Methods to reduce the noise produced from these jets in a practical full-scale environment are difficult. The development and analysis of distributed nozzle blowing for the reduction of radiated noise from supersonic jets is described. Model scale experiments of jets that simulate the exhaust jets from typical low-bypass ratio military jet aircraft engines during takeoff are performed. Fluidic inserts are created that use distributed blowing in the divergent section of the nozzle to simulate mechanical, hardwall corrugations, while having the advantage of being an active control method. This research focuses on model scale experiments to better understand the fluidic insert noise reduction method. Distributed blowing within the divergent section of the military-style convergent divergent nozzle alters the shock structure of the jet in addition to creating streamwise vorticity for the reduction of mixing noise. Enhancements to the fluidic insert design have been performed along with experiments over a large number of injection parameters and core jet conditions. Primarily military-style round nozzles have been used, with preliminary measurements of hardwall corrugations and fluidic inserts in rectangular nozzle geometries also performed. It has been shown that the noise reduction of the fluidic inserts is most heavily dependent upon the momentum flux ratio between the injector and core jet. Maximum reductions of approximately 5.5 dB OASPL have been observed with practical mass flow rates and injection pressures. The first measurements with fluidic inserts in the presence of a forward flight stream have been performed. Optimal noise reduction occurs at similar injector parameters in the presence of forward flight. Fluidic inserts in the presence of a forward flight stream were observed to reduce the peak mixing noise below the already reduced levels by nearly 4 dB OASP and the broadband shock-associated noise by nearly 3 dB OASP. Unsteady velocity measurements are used to complement acoustic results of jets with fluidic inserts. Measured axial turbulence intensities and mean axial velocity are examined to illuminate the differences in the flow field from jets with fluidic inserts. Comparisons of laser Doppler measurements with RANS CFD simulations are shown with good agreement. Analysis of the effect of spatial turbulence on the measured quantities is performed. Experimental model scale measurements of jets with and without fluidic inserts over a simulated carrier deck are presented. The model carrier environment consists of a ground plane of adjustable distance below the jet, and a simulated jet blast deflector similar to those found in practice. Measurements are performed with far-field microphones, near-field microphones, and unsteady pressure sensors. The constructive and destructive interference that results from the interaction of the direct and reflected sound waves is observed and compared with results from free jets. The noise reduction of fluidic inserts in a realistic carrier deck environment with steering of the "quiet planes" is examined. The overall sound pressure level in heat-simulated jets is reduced by 3-5 dB depending on the specific angle and ground plane height. Jets impinging upon a modeled jet blast deflector are tested in addition to jets solely in the presence of the carrier deck. Observed modifications to the acoustic field from the presence of the jet blast deflector include downstream acoustic shielding and low frequency augmentation. The region of maximum noise radiation for heat-simulated jets from nozzles with fluidic inserts impinging on the jet blast deflector is reduced in overall sound pressure level by 4-7 dB. This region includes areas where aircraft carrier personnel are located. iv.

Investigation of microscale dielectric barrier discharge plasma devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zito, Justin C.

This dissertation presents research performed on reduced-scale dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators. A first generation of microscale DBD actuators are designed and manufactured using polymeric dielectric layers, and successfully demonstrate operation at reduced scales. The actuators are 1 cm long and vary in width from tens of microns to several millimeters. A thin-film polymer or ceramic material is used as the dielectric barrier with thicknesses from 5 to 20 microns. The devices are characterized for their electrical, fluidic and mechanical performance. With electrical input of 5 kVpp, 1 kHz, the microscale DBD actuators induce a wall jet with velocity reaching up to 2 m/s and produce 3.5 mN/m of thrust, while consuming an average power of 20 W/m. A 5 mN/m plasma body force was observed, acting on the surrounding air. Failure of the microscale DBD actuators is investigated using thermal measurements of the dielectric surface in addition to both optical and scanning electron microscopy. The cause of device failure is identified as erosion of the dielectric surface due to collisions with ions from the discharge. A second generation of microscale actuators is then designed and manufactured using a more reliable dielectric material, namely silicon dioxide. These actuators demonstrate a significant improvement in device lifetime compared with first-generation microscale DBD actuators. The increase in actuator lifetime allowed the electrical, fluidic and mechanical characterization to be repeated over several input voltages and frequencies. At 7 kVpp, 1 kHz, the actuators with SiO2 dielectric induced velocities up to 1.5 m/s and demonstrated 1.4 mN/m of thrust while consuming an average power of 41 W/m. The plasma body force reached up to 2.5 mN/m. Depending on electrical input, the induced velocity and thrust span an order of magnitude in range. Comparisons are made with macroscale DBD actuators which relate the actuator's output performance and power consumption with the mass and volume of the actuator design. The small size and of microscale DBD actuators reduces its weight and power requirements, making them attractive for portable or battery-powered applications (e.g., on UAVs).

Removal of nitrate from liquid effluents with bio-nano hybrid materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eroglu, Ela; Haniff Wahid, M.; Chen, Xianjue; Smith, Steven M.; Raston, Colin L.

2013-04-01

Microalgae are a group of microorganisms that are abundant in the environment and have been commonly used as a tool for sustainable green technologies including bioenergy production1,2, CO2 sequestration2, wastewater treatment3,4, and nutritional supplement5. We have recently developed a hybridization process between common microalgal cells (Chlorella vulgaris) and multi-layer graphene sheets4. Graphene has very strong adhesion energies6 with an ability to attach on the surface of microalgal cells, which results in a functional hybrid material. Initially dynamic thin films formed within a microfluidic platform, as a vortex fluidic device, were used to exfoliate multi-layer graphene from graphite flakes in water. This was followed by hybridizing the multi-layer graphene with microalgal cells. The resulting bio-nano hybrid material was particularly efficient for the removal of nitrate from liquid effluents without being toxic for the microalgal cells. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy techniques were used for the characterization of the formed graphene sheets, with the fluorescence microscopy and chlorophyll content analyzed for monitoring the viability and growth pattern of the microalgal cells. E. Eroglu and A. Melis, Biotechnol. Bioeng., 2009, 102(5), 1406-1415. É. C Francisco, D. B. Neves, E. Jacob-Lopes, and T. T. Franco, J. Chem. Technol. Biotechnol., 2010, 85, 395-403. E. Eroglu, V. Agarwal, M. Bradshaw, X. Chen, S.M. Smith, C.L. Raston and K.S. Iyer, Green Chem., 2012, 14(10), 2682 - 2685. M. H. Wahid, E. Eroglu, X. Chen, S.M. Smith, and C.L. Raston, Green Chem., 2012, doi:10.1039/C2GC36892G. P. Spolaore, C. Joannis-Cassan, E. Duran and A. Isambert, J. Biosci. Bioeng., 2006, 101, 87-96. S. P. Koenig, N. G. Boddeti, M. L. Dunn and J. S. Bunch, Nat. Nanotechnol., 2011, 6, 543-546.

Formation of high electrical-resistivity thin surface layer on carbonyl-iron powder (CIP) and thermal stability of nanocrystalline structure and vortex magnetic structure of CIP

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sugimura, K.; Miyajima, Y.; Sonehara, M.

2016-05-15

This study focuses on the carbonyl-iron powder (CIP) used in the metal composite bulk magnetic core for high-efficient/light-weight SiC/GaN power device MHz switching dc-dc converter, where the fine CIP with a mean diameter of 1.1 μm is used to suppress the MHz band eddy current inside the CIP body. When applying the CIP to composite core together with the resin matrix, high electrical resistivity layer must be formed on the CIP-surface in order to suppress the overlapped eddy current between adjacent CIPs. In this study, tens nm thick silica (SiO{sub 2}) was successfully deposited on the CIP-surface by using hydrolysismore » of TEOS (Si(OC{sub 2}H{sub 5}){sub 4}). Also tens nm thick oxidized layer of the CIP-surface was successfully formed by using CIP annealing in dry air. The SiC/GaN power device can operate at ambient temperature over 200 degree-C, and the composite magnetic core is required to operate at such ambient temperature. The as-made CIP had small coercivity below 800 A/m (10 Oe) due to its nanocrystalline-structure and had a single vortex magnetic structure. From the experimental results, both nanocrystalline and single vortex magnetic structure were maintained after heat-exposure of 250 degree-C, and the powder coercivity after same heat-exposure was nearly same as that of the as-made CIP. Therefore, the CIP with thermally stable nanocrystalline-structure and vortex magnetic state was considered to be heat-resistant magnetic powder used in the iron-based composite core for SiC/GaN power electronics.« less

Formation of high electrical-resistivity thin surface layer on carbonyl-iron powder (CIP) and thermal stability of nanocrystalline structure and vortex magnetic structure of CIP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugimura, K.; Miyajima, Y.; Sonehara, M.; Sato, T.; Hayashi, F.; Zettsu, N.; Teshima, K.; Mizusaki, H.

2016-05-01

This study focuses on the carbonyl-iron powder (CIP) used in the metal composite bulk magnetic core for high-efficient/light-weight SiC/GaN power device MHz switching dc-dc converter, where the fine CIP with a mean diameter of 1.1 μm is used to suppress the MHz band eddy current inside the CIP body. When applying the CIP to composite core together with the resin matrix, high electrical resistivity layer must be formed on the CIP-surface in order to suppress the overlapped eddy current between adjacent CIPs. In this study, tens nm thick silica (SiO2) was successfully deposited on the CIP-surface by using hydrolysis of TEOS (Si(OC2H5)4). Also tens nm thick oxidized layer of the CIP-surface was successfully formed by using CIP annealing in dry air. The SiC/GaN power device can operate at ambient temperature over 200 degree-C, and the composite magnetic core is required to operate at such ambient temperature. The as-made CIP had small coercivity below 800 A/m (10 Oe) due to its nanocrystalline-structure and had a single vortex magnetic structure. From the experimental results, both nanocrystalline and single vortex magnetic structure were maintained after heat-exposure of 250 degree-C, and the powder coercivity after same heat-exposure was nearly same as that of the as-made CIP. Therefore, the CIP with thermally stable nanocrystalline-structure and vortex magnetic state was considered to be heat-resistant magnetic powder used in the iron-based composite core for SiC/GaN power electronics.

Minor New Source Review Permit Application: Fluidic, Inc.

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Federal Minor New Source Review New Construction Application for proposed construction of new equipment at an existing source at Fluidic's facility located at 8425 N. 9th Street, Suite #4, Scottsdale, Arizona 48258.

Fluidic Emergency Thruster for Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Honda, T. S.

1972-01-01

The design, development, fabrication and test evaluation of two prototype fluidic emergency thrusters (FET) for aircraft stabilization are discussed. The fluidic control units were designed to provide, between two diametrically opposed nozzles, a thrust differential proportional to an input voltage signal. The emergency roll control requirements of the X-14 VTOL research aircraft were defined as typical design goals. Two control units, one on each wing tip, are intended to provide a maximum thrust of 224 pounds per unit. The units are designed to operate with 2500 psig, 2000 F gas from a solid propellant gas generator. The emergency system including the gas generator was designed to add less than 11 pounds per wing tip. The operating time under emergency conditions was specified as five seconds. The fluidic emergency thruster is similar in concept to a JATO system but has the added feature of controllable thrust.

Fluidic origami cellular structure -- combining the plant nastic movements with paper folding art

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Suyi; Wang, K. W.

2015-04-01

By combining the physical principles behind the nastic plant movements and the rich designs of paper folding art, we propose a new class of multi-functional adaptive structure called fluidic origami cellular structure. The basic elements of this structure are fluid filled origami "cells", made by connecting two compatible Miura-Ori stripes along their crease lines. These cells are assembled seamlessly into a three dimensional topology, and their internal fluid pressure or volume are strategically controlled just like in plants for nastic movements. Because of the unique geometry of the Miura-Ori, the relationships among origami folding, internal fluid properties, and the crease bending are intricate and highly nonlinear. Fluidic origami can exploit such relationships to provide multiple adaptive functions concurrently and effectively. For example, it can achieve actuation or morphing by actively changing the internal fluid volume, and stillness tuning by constraining the fluid volume. Fluidic origami can also be bistable because of the nonlinear correlation between folding and crease material bending, and such bistable character can be altered significantly by fluid pressurization. These functions are natural and essential companions with respect to each other, so that fluidic origami can holistically exhibit many attractive characteristics of plants and deliver rapid and efficient actuation/morphing while maintaining a high structural stillness. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the design and working principles of the fluidic origami, as well as to explore and demonstrate its performance potential.

Method for detecting pathogens attached to specific antibodies

DOEpatents

Miles, Robin R.; Venkateswaran, Kodumudi S.; Fuller, Christopher K.

2005-01-25

The use of impedance measurements to detect the presence of pathogens attached to antibody-coated beads. In a fluidic device antibodies are immobilized on a surface of a patterned interdigitated electrode. Pathogens in a sample fluid streaming past the electrode attach to the immobilized antibodies, which produces a change in impedance between two adjacent electrodes, which impedance change is measured and used to detect the presence of a pathogen. To amplify the signal, beads coated with antibodies are introduced and the beads would stick to the pathogen causing a greater change in impedance between the two adjacent electrodes.

Impedance measurements for detecting pathogens attached to antibodies

DOEpatents

Miles, Robin R.; Venkateswaran, Kodumudi S.; Fuller, Christopher K.

2004-12-28

The use of impedance measurements to detect the presence of pathogens attached to antibody-coated beads. In a fluidic device antibodies are immobilized on a surface of a patterned interdigitated electrode. Pathogens in a sample fluid streaming past the electrode attach to the immobilized antibodies, which produces a change in impedance between two adjacent electrodes, which impedance change is measured and used to detect the presence of a pathogen. To amplify the signal, beads coated with antibodies are introduced and the beads would stick to the pathogen causing a greater change in impedance between the two adjacent electrodes.

Optically Defined Multifunctional Patterning of Photosensitive Thin-Film Silica Mesophases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doshi, Dhaval A.; Huesing, Nicola K.; Lu, Mengcheng; Fan, Hongyou; Lu, Yunfeng; Simmons-Potter, Kelly; Potter, B. G.; Hurd, Alan J.; Brinker, C. Jeffrey

2000-10-01

Photosensitive films incorporating molecular photoacid generators compartmentalized within a silica-surfactant mesophase were prepared by an evaporation-induced self-assembly process. Ultraviolet exposure promoted localized acid-catalyzed siloxane condensation, which can be used for selective etching of unexposed regions; for ``gray-scale'' patterning of refractive index, pore size, surface area, and wetting behavior; and for optically defining a mesophase transformation (from hexagonal to tetragonal) within the film. The ability to optically define and continuously control both structure and function on the macro- and mesoscales is of interest for sensor arrays, nanoreactors, photonic and fluidic devices, and low-dielectric-constant films.

Recent advances in characterisation of subsonic axisymmetric nozzles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tesař, Václav

2018-06-01

Nozzles are devices generating jets. They are widely used in fluidics and also in active control of flows past bodies. Being practically always a component of larger system, design and optimisation of the system needs characterisation of nozzle properties by an invariant quantity. Perhaps surprisingly, no suitable invariant has been so far introduced. This article surveys approaches to characterisation quantities and presents several examples of their typical use in systems such as parallel operation of two nozzles, matching a nozzle to its fluid supply source, apparent resistance increase in flows with pulsation, and the secondary invariants of a family of quasi-similar nozzles.

Nano-inspired smart interfaces: fluidic interactivity and its impact on heat transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Beom Seok; Lee, Byoung In; Lee, Namkyu; Choi, Geehong; Gemming, Thomas; Cho, Hyung Hee

2017-03-01

Interface-inspired convection is a key heat transfer scheme for hot spot cooling and thermal energy transfer. An unavoidable trade-off of the convective heat transfer is pressure loss caused by fluidic resistance on an interface. To overcome this limitation, we uncover that nano-inspired interfaces can trigger a peculiar fluidic interactivity, which can pursue all the two sides of the coin: heat transfer and fluidic friction. We demonstrate the validity of a quasi-fin effect of Si-based nanostructures based on conductive capability of heat dissipation valid under the interactivity with fluidic viscous sublayer. The exclusive fluid-interface friction is achieved when the height of the nanostructures is much less than the thickness of the viscous sublayers in the turbulent regime. The strategic nanostructures show an enhancement of heat transfer coefficients in the wall jet region by more than 21% without any significant macroscale pressure loss under single-phase impinging jet. Nanostructures guaranteeing fluid access via an equivalent vacancy larger than the diffusive path length of viscid flow lead to local heat transfer enhancement of more than 13% at a stagnation point. Functional nanostructures will give shape to possible breakthroughs in heat transfer and its optimization can be pursued for engineered systems.

Characterization of Bonding Between Poly(dimethylsiloxane) and Cyclic Olefin Coplymer Using Corona Discharge Induced Grafting Polymerization

PubMed Central

Liu, Ke; Gu, Pan; Hamaker, Kiri; Fan, Z. Hugh

2011-01-01

Thermoplastics have been increasingly used for fabricating microfluidic devices because of their low cost, mechanical/biocompatible attributes, and well-established manufacturing processes. However, there is sometimes a need to integrate such a device with components made from other materials such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Bonding thermoplastics with PDMS to produce hybrid devices is not straightforward. We have reported our method to modify the surface property of a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) substrate by using corona discharge and grafting polymerization of 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate; the modified surface enabled strong bonding of COC with PDMS. In this paper, we report our studies on the surface modification mechanism using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle measurement. Using this bonding method, we fabricated a three-layer (COC/PDMS/COC) hybrid device consisting of elastomer-based valve arrays. The microvalve operation was confirmed through the displacement of a dye solution in a fluidic channel when the elastomer membrane was pneumatically actuated. Valve-enabled microfluidic handling was demonstrated. PMID:21962541

Development of a real-world direct interface for integrated DNA extraction and amplification in a microfluidic device.

PubMed

Shaw, Kirsty J; Joyce, Domino A; Docker, Peter T; Dyer, Charlotte E; Greenway, Gillian M; Greenman, John; Haswell, Stephen J

2011-02-07

Integrated DNA extraction and amplification have been carried out in a microfluidic device using electro-osmotic pumping (EOP) for fluidic control. All the necessary reagents for performing both DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification were pre-loaded into the microfluidic device following encapsulation in agarose gel. Buccal cells were collected using OmniSwabs [Whatman™, UK] and manually added to a chaotropic binding/lysis solution pre-loaded into the microfluidic device. The released DNA was then adsorbed onto a silica monolith contained within the DNA extraction chamber and the microfluidic device sealed using polymer electrodes. The washing and elution steps for DNA extraction were carried out using EOP, resulting in transfer of the eluted DNA into the PCR chamber. Thermal cycling, achieved using a Peltier element, resulted in amplification of the Amelogenin locus as confirmed using conventional capillary gel electrophoresis. It was demonstrated that the PCR reagents could be stored in the microfluidic device for at least 8 weeks at 4 °C with no significant loss of activity. Such methodology lends itself to the production of 'ready-to-use' microfluidic devices containing all the necessary reagents for sample processing, with many obvious applications in forensics and clinical medicine.

Two-dimensional complex source point solutions: application to propagationally invariant beams, optical fiber modes, planar waveguides, and plasmonic devices.

PubMed

Sheppard, Colin J R; Kou, Shan S; Lin, Jiao

2014-12-01

Highly convergent beam modes in two dimensions are considered based on rigorous solutions of the scalar wave (Helmholtz) equation, using the complex source point formalism. The modes are applicable to planar waveguide or surface plasmonic structures and nearly concentric microcavity resonator modes in two dimensions. A novel solution is that of a vortex beam, where the direction of propagation is in the plane of the vortex. The modes also can be used as a basis for the cross section of propagationally invariant beams in three dimensions and bow-tie-shaped optical fiber modes.

Vortex Laser based on III-V semiconductor metasurface: direct generation of coherent Laguerre-Gauss modes carrying controlled orbital angular momentum

PubMed Central

Seghilani, Mohamed S.; Myara, Mikhael; Sellahi, Mohamed; Legratiet, Luc; Sagnes, Isabelle; Beaudoin, Grégoire; Lalanne, Philippe; Garnache, Arnaud

2016-01-01

The generation of a coherent state, supporting a large photon number, with controlled orbital-angular-momentum L = ħl (of charge l per photon) presents both fundamental and technological challenges: we demonstrate a surface-emitting laser, based on III-V semiconductor technology with an integrated metasurface, generating vortex-like coherent state in the Laguerre-Gauss basis. We use a first order phase perturbation to lift orbital degeneracy of wavefunctions, by introducing a weak anisotropy called here “orbital birefringence”, based on a dielectric metasurface. The azimuthal symmetry breakdown and non-linear laser dynamics create “orbital gain dichroism” allowing selecting vortex handedness. This coherent photonic device was characterized and studied, experimentally and theoretically. It exhibits a low divergence (<1°) diffraction limited beam, emitting 49 mW output power in the near-IR at λ ≃ 1 μm, a charge l = ±1, … ±4 (>50 dB vortex purity), and single frequency operation in a stable low noise regime (0.1% rms). Such high performance laser opens the path to widespread new photonic applications. PMID:27917885

Nonlinear model predictive control of a vortex-induced vibrations bladeless wind turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azadi Yazdi, E.

2018-07-01

In this paper, a nonlinear model predictive controller (NMPC) is proposed for a vortex-induced vibrations bladeless wind turbine (BWT). The BWT consists of a long rigid cylinder mounted on a flexible beam. The nonlinear dynamic model of the transverse vibrations of the BWT is obtained under the fluctuating lift force due to periodically shedding vortices. The NMPC method is used to design a controller that achieves maximum energy production rate. It is observed that the power generation of the NMPC drops in high wind speeds due to a mismatch between the vortex shedding frequency and the structural natural frequency. Therefore, a secondary gain-scheduling (GS) controller is proposed to virtually increase the natural frequency of the structure to match the vortex shedding frequency for high winds. Although previous studies predicted the output power of the studied BWT to be less than 100 W, with the proposed GS-NMPC scheme the output power reaches the value of 1 kW. Therefore, the capability of the BWT as a renewable energy generation device was highly underestimated in the literature. The computed values of the aero-mechanical efficiency suggest the BWT as a major competitor to the conventional wind turbines.

Post-operative ventricular flow dynamics following atrioventricular valve surgical and device therapies: A review.

PubMed

Nguyen, Yen Ngoc; Ismail, Munirah; Kabinejadian, Foad; Tay, Edgar Lik Wui; Leo, Hwa Liang

2018-04-01

Intra-ventricular flow dynamics has recently emerged as an important evaluation and diagnosis tool in different cardiovascular conditions. The formation of vortex pattern during the cardiac cycle has been suggested to play important epigenetic and energy-modulation roles in cardiac remodelling, adaptations and mal-adaptations. In this new perspective, flow alterations due to different cardiovascular procedures can affect the long-term outcome of those procedures. Especially, repairs and replacements performed on atrioventricular valves are likely to exert direct impact on intra-ventricular flow pattern. In this review, current consensus around the roles of vortex dynamics in cardiac function is discussed. An overview of physiological vortex patterns found in healthy left and right ventricles as well as post-operative ventricular flow phenomenon owing to different atrioventricular valvular procedures are reviewed, followed by the summary of different vortex identification schemes used to characterise intraventricular flow. This paper also emphasises on future research directions towards a comprehensive understanding of intra-cardiac flow and its clinical relevance. The knowledge could encourage more effective pre-operative planning and better outcomes for current clinical practices. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Simultaneous pre-concentration and separation on simple paper-based analytical device for protein analysis.

PubMed

Niu, Ji-Cheng; Zhou, Ting; Niu, Li-Li; Xie, Zhen-Sheng; Fang, Fang; Yang, Fu-Quan; Wu, Zhi-Yong

2018-02-01

In this work, fast isoelectric focusing (IEF) was successfully implemented on an open paper fluidic channel for simultaneous concentration and separation of proteins from complex matrix. With this simple device, IEF can be finished in 10 min with a resolution of 0.03 pH units and concentration factor of 10, as estimated by color model proteins by smartphone-based colorimetric detection. Fast detection of albumin from human serum and glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c) from blood cell was demonstrated. In addition, off-line identification of the model proteins from the IEF fractions with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) was also shown. This PAD IEF is potentially useful either for point of care test (POCT) or biomarker analysis as a cost-effective sample pretreatment method.

Micro-tube mass production device for microbial culture.

PubMed

Fujimoto, K; Ogawa, M; Higashi, K; Miki, N

2016-08-01

This paper describes mass production system of micro-tubes for microbial culture in an open environment. Microbes are used in many fields, such as food, medicine, environmental and energy. We proposed a microbe culture system using hydrogel micro-tubes, which can protect the target microbes inside from competitive microbes outside of the tubes while allow oxygen and nutrition to diffuse through. The hydrogel micro-tubes can be produced by a microfluidic device, which can precisely control the flow and therefore, the tube geometry. For practical applications of the micro-tube-based microbial culture, one of the biggest challenges is the scale-up of the micro-tube-based culture system, or mass production of the tubes. We developed a fluidic system that can produce multiple micro-tubes in parallel. We characterized the mass-produced micro channels and verified the effectiveness of the system.

Inorganic nanotubes and electro-fluidic devices fabricated therefrom

DOEpatents

Yang, Peidong [Kensington, CA; Majumdar, Arunava [Orinda, CA; Fan, Rong [Pasadena, CA; Karnik, Rohit [Cambridge, MA

2011-03-01

Nanofluidic devices incorporating inorganic nanotubes fluidly coupled to channels or nanopores for supplying a fluid containing chemical or bio-chemical species are described. In one aspect, two channels are fluidly interconnected with a nanotube. Electrodes on opposing sides of the nanotube establish electrical contact with the fluid therein. A bias current is passed between the electrodes through the fluid, and current changes are detected to ascertain the passage of select molecules, such as DNA, through the nanotube. In another aspect, a gate electrode is located proximal the nanotube between the two electrodes thus forming a nanofluidic transistor. The voltage applied to the gate controls the passage of ionic species through the nanotube selected as either or both ionic polarities. In either of these aspects the nanotube can be modified, or functionalized, to control the selectivity of detection or passage.

Behaviour and design considerations for continuous flow closed-open-closed liquid microchannels.

PubMed

Melin, Jessica; van der Wijngaart, Wouter; Stemme, Göran

2005-06-01

This paper introduces a method of combining open and closed microchannels in a single component in a novel way which couples the benefits of both open and closed microfluidic systems and introduces interesting on-chip microfluidic behaviour. Fluid behaviour in such a component, based on continuous pressure driven flow and surface tension, is discussed in terms of cross sectional flow behaviour, robustness, flow-pressure performance, and its application to microfluidic interfacing. The closed-open-closed microchannel possesses the versatility of upstream and downstream closed microfluidics along with open fluidic direct access. The device has the advantage of eliminating gas bubbles present upstream when these enter the open channel section. The unique behaviour of this device opens the door to applications including direct liquid sample interfacing without the need for additional and bulky sample tubing.

PDMS free-flow electrophoresis chips with integrated partitioning bars for bubble segregation.

PubMed

Köhler, Stefan; Weilbeer, Claudia; Howitz, Steffen; Becker, Holger; Beushausen, Volker; Belder, Detlev

2011-01-21

In this work, a microfluidic free-flow electrophoresis device with a novel approach for preventing gas bubbles from entering the separation area is presented. This is achieved by integrating partitioning bars to reduce the channel depth between electrode channels and separation chamber in order to obtain electrical contact and simultaneously prevent bubbles from entering the separation area. The three-layer sandwich chip features a reusable carrier plate with integrated ports for fluidic connection combined with a softlithographically cast microfluidic PDMS layer and a sealing glass slide. This design allows for a straightforward and rapid chip prototyping process. The performance of the device is demonstrated by free-flow zone electrophoretic separations of fluorescent dye mixtures as well as by the separation of labeled amines and amino acids with separation voltages up to 297 V.

Mixed-Dimensionality VLSI-Type Configurable Tools for Virtual Prototyping of Biomicrofluidic Devices and Integrated Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makhijani, Vinod B.; Przekwas, Andrzej J.

2002-10-01

This report presents results of a DARPA/MTO Composite CAD Project aimed to develop a comprehensive microsystem CAD environment, CFD-ACE+ Multiphysics, for bio and microfluidic devices and complete microsystems. The project began in July 1998, and was a three-year team effort between CFD Research Corporation, California Institute of Technology (CalTech), University of California, Berkeley (UCB), and Tanner Research, with Mr. Don Verlee from Abbott Labs participating as a consultant on the project. The overall objective of this project was to develop, validate and demonstrate several applications of a user-configurable VLSI-type mixed-dimensionality software tool for design of biomicrofluidics devices and integrated systems. The developed tool would provide high fidelity 3-D multiphysics modeling capability, l-D fluidic circuits modeling, and SPICE interface for system level simulations, and mixed-dimensionality design. It would combine tools for layouts and process fabrication, geometric modeling, and automated grid generation, and interfaces to EDA tools (e.g. Cadence) and MCAD tools (e.g. ProE).

Tilted pillar array fabrication by the combination of proton beam writing and soft lithography for microfluidic cell capture Part 2: Image sequence analysis based evaluation and biological application.

PubMed

Járvás, Gábor; Varga, Tamás; Szigeti, Márton; Hajba, László; Fürjes, Péter; Rajta, István; Guttman, András

2018-02-01

As a continuation of our previously published work, this paper presents a detailed evaluation of a microfabricated cell capture device utilizing a doubly tilted micropillar array. The device was fabricated using a novel hybrid technology based on the combination of proton beam writing and conventional lithography techniques. Tilted pillars offer unique flow characteristics and support enhanced fluidic interaction for improved immunoaffinity based cell capture. The performance of the microdevice was evaluated by an image sequence analysis based in-house developed single-cell tracking system. Individual cell tracking allowed in-depth analysis of the cell-chip surface interaction mechanism from hydrodynamic point of view. Simulation results were validated by using the hybrid device and the optimized surface functionalization procedure. Finally, the cell capture capability of this new generation microdevice was demonstrated by efficiently arresting cells from a HT29 cell-line suspension. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Dual-beam optical trapping of cells in an optofluidic device fabricated by femtosecond lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellini, N.; Bragheri, F.; Vishnubhatla, K. C.; Ferrara, L.; Minzioni, P.; Cerullo, G.; Ramponi, R.; Cristiani, I.; Osellame, R.

2010-02-01

We present design and optimization of an optofluidic monolithic chip, able to provide optical trapping and controlled stretching of single cells. The chip is fabricated in a fused silica glass substrate by femtosecond laser micromachining, which can produce both optical waveguides and microfluidic channels with great accuracy. Versatility and three-dimensional capabilities of this fabrication technology provide the possibility to fabricate circular cross-section channels with enlarged access holes for an easy connection with an external fluidic circuit. Moreover, a new fabrication procedure adopted allows the demonstration of microchannels with a square cross-section, thus guaranteeing an improved quality of the trapped cell images. Optical trapping and stretching of single red blood cells are demonstrated, thus proving the effectiveness of the proposed device as a monolithic optical stretcher. We believe that femtosecond laser micromachining represents a promising technique for the development of multifunctional integrated biophotonic devices that can be easily coupled to a microscope platform, thus enabling a complete characterization of the cells under test.

Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing for (Bio)analytical Device Fabrication: Procedures, Materials, and Applications

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

In this work, the use of fused deposition modeling (FDM) in a (bio)analytical/lab-on-a-chip research laboratory is described. First, the specifications of this 3D printing method that are important for the fabrication of (micro)devices were characterized for a benchtop FDM 3D printer. These include resolution, surface roughness, leakage, transparency, material deformation, and the possibilities for integration of other materials. Next, the autofluorescence, solvent compatibility, and biocompatibility of 12 representative FDM materials were tested and evaluated. Finally, we demonstrate the feasibility of FDM in a number of important applications. In particular, we consider the fabrication of fluidic channels, masters for polymer replication, and tools for the production of paper microfluidic devices. This work thus provides a guideline for (i) the use of FDM technology by addressing its possibilities and current limitations, (ii) material selection for FDM, based on solvent compatibility and biocompatibility, and (iii) application of FDM technology to (bio)analytical research by demonstrating a broad range of illustrative examples. PMID:28628294

Optofluidic bioanalysis: fundamentals and applications

PubMed Central

Ozcelik, Damla; Cai, Hong; Leake, Kaelyn D.; Hawkins, Aaron R.; Schmidt, Holger

2017-01-01

Over the past decade, optofluidics has established itself as a new and dynamic research field for exciting developments at the interface of photonics, microfluidics, and the life sciences. The strong desire for developing miniaturized bioanalytic devices and instruments, in particular, has led to novel and powerful approaches to integrating optical elements and biological fluids on the same chip-scale system. Here, we review the state-of-the-art in optofluidic research with emphasis on applications in bioanalysis and a focus on waveguide-based approaches that represent the most advanced level of integration between optics and fluidics. We discuss recent work in photonically reconfigurable devices and various application areas. We show how optofluidic approaches have been pushing the performance limits in bioanalysis, e.g. in terms of sensitivity and portability, satisfying many of the key requirements for point-of-care devices. This illustrates how the requirements for bianalysis instruments are increasingly being met by the symbiotic integration of novel photonic capabilities in a miniaturized system. PMID:29201591

Flowfield And Download Measurements And Computation of a Tiltrotor Aircraft In Hover

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brand, Albert G.; Peryea, Martin A.; Wood, Tom L.; Meakin, Robert L.

2001-01-01

A multipart study of the V-22 hover flowfield was conducted. Testing involved a 0.15-scale semispan model with multiple independent force balance systems. The velocity flowfield surrounding the airframe was measured using a robotic positioning system and anemometer. Both time averaged and cycle-averaged results are reported. It is shown that the fuselage download in hover can be significantly reduced using a small download reduction device. Measurements indicate that the success of the device is attributed to the substantial elimination of tiltrotor fountain flow. As part of.the study, an unsteady CFD prediction is time-averaged, and shown to have excellent agreement in predicting the baseline configuration fountain flow. Some discrepancies at the outboard edge of the rotor are discussed. An &&sessment of an advanced tip shape rotor comp"'Ietes the study. Derived from a nonrotating study, the advanced tip shape rotor was developed and tested on the Bell 0.15 scale semi-span V-22 model. The tip shape was intended to diffuse the tip vortex and reduce BVI noise. Rotor wake vorticity is extracted from the measured velocity dam to show that the advanced tip shape produces a tip vortex that is only slightly more diffuse than the baseline tip blade. The results indicate that nonrotating tests may overpredict the amount of tip vortex diffusion achieved by tip shape design in a rotating environment.

Combined experimental and numerical investigation of energy harness utilizing vortex induced vibration over half cylinder using piezoelectric beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, Md. Tusher; Hossain, Md. Tanver; Rahman, Md. Ashiqur

2017-06-01

Energy harvesting technology has the ability to create self-powered electronic systems that do not rely on battery power for their operation. Wind energy can be converted into electricity via a piezoelectric transducer during the air flow over a cylinder. The vortex-induced vibration over the cylinder causes the piezoelectric beam to vibrate. Thus useful electric energy at the range 0.2-0.3V is found which can be useful for self-powering small electronic devices. In the present study, prototypes of micro-energy harvester with a shape of 65 mm × 37 mm × 0.4 mm are developed and tested for airflow over D-shaped bluff body for diameters of 15, 20 and 28mm in an experimental setup consisting of a long wind tunnel of 57cm × 57cm with variable speeds of the motor for different flow velocities and the experimental setup is connected at the downstream where flow velocity is the maximum. Experimental results show that the velocity and induced voltage follows a regular linear pattern. A maximum electrical potential of 140 mV for velocity of 1.1 ms-1 at a bluff body diameter of 15 mm is observed in the energy harvester that can be applied in many practical cases for self-powering electronic devices. The simulation of this energy harvesting phenomena is then simulated using COMSOLE multi-physics. Diameter of the bluff bodies as well as flow velocity and size of cantilever beam are varied and the experimental findings are found to be in good agreement with the simulated ones. The simulations along with the experimental data show the possibility of generating electricity from vortex induced vibration and can be applied in many practical cases for self-powering electronic devices.

Non-Invasive Mapping of Intraventricular Flow Patterns in Patients Treated with Left Ventricular Assist Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miramontes, Marissa; Rossini, Lorenzo; Braun, Oscar; Brambatti, Michela; Almeida, Shone; Mizeracki, Adam; Martinez-Legazpi, Pablo; Benito, Yolanda; Bermejo, Javier; Kahn, Andrew; Adler, Eric; Del Álamo, Juan C.

2017-11-01

In heart failure patients, left ventricular (LV) assist devices (LVADs) decrease mortality and improve quality of life. We hypothesize echo color Doppler velocimetry (echo-CDV), an echocardiographic flow mapping modality, can non-invasively characterize the effect of LVAD support, optimize the device, thereby decreasing the stoke rate present in these patients. We used echo-CDV to image LV flow at baseline LVAD speed and during a ramp test in LVAD patients (Heartmate II, N =10). We tracked diastolic vortices and mapped blood stasis and cumulative shear. Compared to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients without LVADs, the flow had a less prominent diastolic vortex ring, and transited directly from mitral valve to cannula. Residence time and shear were significantly lower compared to healthy controls and DCMs. Aortic regurgitation and a large LV vortex presence or a direct mitral jet towards the cannula affected blood stasis region location and size. Flow patterns, residence time and shear depended on LV geometry, valve function and LVAD speed in a patient specific manner. This new methodology could be used with standard echo, hemodynamics and clinical information to find the flow optimizing LAVD setting minimizing stasis for each patient.

A generalized optimization principle for asymmetric branching in fluidic networks

PubMed Central

Stephenson, David

2016-01-01

When applied to a branching network, Murray’s law states that the optimal branching of vascular networks is achieved when the cube of the parent channel radius is equal to the sum of the cubes of the daughter channel radii. It is considered integral to understanding biological networks and for the biomimetic design of artificial fluidic systems. However, despite its ubiquity, we demonstrate that Murray’s law is only optimal (i.e. maximizes flow conductance per unit volume) for symmetric branching, where the local optimization of each individual channel corresponds to the global optimum of the network as a whole. In this paper, we present a generalized law that is valid for asymmetric branching, for any cross-sectional shape, and for a range of fluidic models. We verify our analytical solutions with the numerical optimization of a bifurcating fluidic network for the examples of laminar, turbulent and non-Newtonian fluid flows. PMID:27493583

An Oxidase-Based Electrochemical Fluidic Sensor with High-Sensitivity and Low-Interference by On-Chip Oxygen Manipulation

PubMed Central

Radhakrishnan, Nitin; Park, Jongwon; Kim, Chang-Soo

2012-01-01

Utilizing a simple fluidic structure, we demonstrate the improved performance of oxidase-based enzymatic biosensors. Electrolysis of water is utilized to generate bubbles to manipulate the oxygen microenvironment close to the biosensor in a fluidic channel. For the proper enzyme reactions to occur, a simple mechanical procedure of manipulating bubbles was developed to maximize the oxygen level while minimizing the pH change after electrolysis. The sensors show improved sensitivities based on the oxygen dependency of enzyme reaction. In addition, this oxygen-rich operation minimizes the ratio of electrochemical interference signal by ascorbic acid during sensor operation (i.e., amperometric detection of hydrogen peroxide). Although creatinine sensors have been used as the model system in this study, this method is applicable to many other biosensors that can use oxidase enzymes (e.g., glucose, alcohol, phenol, etc.) to implement a viable component for in-line fluidic sensor systems. PMID:23012527