Fast Asymptotic-Numerical Method For Coarse Mesh Particle Simulation In Channels Of Arbitrary Cross Section

TL;DR

This paper introduces a fast asymptotic-numerical method for simulating particle migration in microfluidic channels of arbitrary cross sections, improving computational efficiency and accuracy in predicting focusing behaviors.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel numerical approach that combines asymptotic analysis with finite element methods to accurately and efficiently simulate particle migration in complex microfluidic geometries.

Findings

Method effectively captures bifurcations in particle focusing positions.

Approach improves regularity of singularity approximation for better numerical stability.

Demonstrates computational efficiency in simulating diverse channel shapes.

Abstract

Particles traveling through inertial microfluidic devices migrate to focusing streamlines. We present a numerical method that calculates migration velocities of particles in inertial microfluidic channels of arbitrary cross section by representing particles by singularities. Refinements to asymptotic analysis are given that improve the regularity of the singularity approximation, making finite element approximations of flow and pressure fields more effective. Sample results demonstrate that the method is computationally efficient and able to capture bifurcations in particle focusing positions due to changes in channel shape and Reynolds number.