Non-Uniform Magnetic Field-Induced Instabilities Between Ferrofluid And Deionized Water Through A T-Shaped Microchannel

Marlena Kolesinska

School Name

Governor's School for Science and Math

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Physics

Presentation Type

Mentored

Mentor

Mentor: Dr. Xuan; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University

Written Paper Award

1st Place

Abstract

Ferrofluid contains magnetic nanoparticles in water-based solution that can interact with non-uniform magnetic fields on a lab-on-a-chip device. Due to the difference in magnetization between a ferrofluid and deionized (DI) water, an instability is produced under an applied magnetic field within this device, which is important in achieving rapid microfluidic mixing. Instabilities occur because of the attraction of the magnetic nanoparticles to the magnets, creating bulk flow of the ferrofluid towards the magnetic source, while the pressure-driven flow of the water pushes the ferrofluid down through the channel, creating fingerlike fluctuations. In this flow system, different factors, such as the fluid flow speed, location of the magnets, and ferrofluid concentration, were tested for mixing efficiency via magnetic field-induced instabilities in a T-shaped microchannel. This experiment showed that the following factors showed a high mixing efficiency within the LOC device: low-flow rate, leftward magnet position below the T-junction, and high ferrofluid concentration. This study potentially provides a blueprint for lab-on-a-chip devices that is efficient, cost effective, wireless, and free of the joule heating effect from applied electrokinetic flow. This experiment also creates the need for further study on the phenomenon that occurs when a paramagnet is placed on top of the microchannel to form noninteracting strata of water and ferrofluid that correspond to the magnetic field lines.

Location

Owens 104

Start Date

4-16-2016 9:30 AM

COinS
 
Apr 16th, 9:30 AM

Non-Uniform Magnetic Field-Induced Instabilities Between Ferrofluid And Deionized Water Through A T-Shaped Microchannel

Owens 104

Ferrofluid contains magnetic nanoparticles in water-based solution that can interact with non-uniform magnetic fields on a lab-on-a-chip device. Due to the difference in magnetization between a ferrofluid and deionized (DI) water, an instability is produced under an applied magnetic field within this device, which is important in achieving rapid microfluidic mixing. Instabilities occur because of the attraction of the magnetic nanoparticles to the magnets, creating bulk flow of the ferrofluid towards the magnetic source, while the pressure-driven flow of the water pushes the ferrofluid down through the channel, creating fingerlike fluctuations. In this flow system, different factors, such as the fluid flow speed, location of the magnets, and ferrofluid concentration, were tested for mixing efficiency via magnetic field-induced instabilities in a T-shaped microchannel. This experiment showed that the following factors showed a high mixing efficiency within the LOC device: low-flow rate, leftward magnet position below the T-junction, and high ferrofluid concentration. This study potentially provides a blueprint for lab-on-a-chip devices that is efficient, cost effective, wireless, and free of the joule heating effect from applied electrokinetic flow. This experiment also creates the need for further study on the phenomenon that occurs when a paramagnet is placed on top of the microchannel to form noninteracting strata of water and ferrofluid that correspond to the magnetic field lines.