Flow rate effect on droplet control in a co-flowing microfluidic device

Abstract

Flow rate effect on droplet formation in a co-flowing microfluidic device is investigated numerically. Transition conditions are discovered that the droplet size is either approximately independent of or strongly dependent on the flow rate ratio. This phenomenon is explained by the relation between strain rate and droplet diameter. Regions of four drop patterns are demarcated and conditions that give polydisperse drops are described, which is helpful to assure the accuracy and efficiency in droplet production. © Springer-Verlag 2006.