Abstract
The micromixer, which has a rotor with a curved channel, is studied experimentally. The Taylor-Dean flow in a curved channel of rectangular cross-section is investigated using PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) and LIF (Laser Induced Fluorescence) methods. Two walls of the channel (the inner and top walls) rotate around the center of curvature and a pressure gradient is imposed in the direction of the exit of the channel. The non-dimensional parameters concerned are the Dean number De and the Taylor number Tr. Photographs of the flow in a cross-section at 180° downstream from the curved channel entrance are taken by changing the flux (De) at a constant rotational speed (Tr) of the channel walls. It is found that good mixing performance is obtained in the case of De ? 0.1Tr. This tendency appears more strongly if aspect ratio is large. And then we have confirmed the occurrence of reversal of the mean axial flow.
