Chaotic Mixing in Three-Dimensional Micro Channel

The quality of chaotic mixing in three-dimensional micro channel flow has been numerically studied using Fractional-step method (FSM) and particle tracking techniques such as Poincare´ section and Lyapunov exponents. The flow was driven by pressure distribution and the chaotic mixing was generated by applying alternating current to electrodes embedded on the bottom wall at a first half period and on the top wall at a second half period. The equations governing the velocity and concentration distributions were solved using FSM based on Finite Volume approach. Results showed that the mixing quality depended significantly on the modulation period. The modulation period for the best mixing performance was determined based on the mixing index for various initial conditions of concentration distribution. The optimal values of modulation period obtained by the particle tracking techniques were compared with those from the solution of concentration distribution equation using FSM and CFX software and the comparison showed their good match.