To learn how cavitation bubbles in micro- or nano-structures may reduce surface erosion and improve the effectiveness of microfluidic mixing devices, which are often used to swiftly and efficiently mix numerous samples, researchers started a multidisciplinary study. The research’s results may be used to develop more durable and effective pumping equipment or to conduct portable, high-precision biological testing that are presently only performed in laboratories. Scientific Reports just published the study.
The James and Ada Forsyth Professor and Department Head of Texas A&M University’s J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Guillermo Aguilar, oversaw the research. Many scientists have researched cavitation, which is the fast development and collapse of vapour bubbles in a liquid. Through the identification of prospective applications, this study aimed to get a deeper understanding of cavitation dynamics’ fundamental principles.
The interaction of cavitation bubbles and jets with micro- or nano-structures and shockwaves is still an active field of study, according to Aguilar, despite the fact that cavitation has been well investigated. The creation of effective microfluidic mixing devices and erosion mitigation by surface micropatterning are two other emerging technologies that this research may help us better understand and advance.
The small bubbles, which generally measure one millimetre in diameter and last barely one-tenth of a millisecond, were seen by researchers using high-speed cameras fitted with microscope lenses and laser-induced cavitation. Additionally, a femtosecond laser was utilised to construct the target surface’s micropatterning, a nanosecond laser was used to cause cavitation, and a continuous wave laser was employed to do particle tracking throughout the study process.
Using these techniques, the team was able to capture air pockets in a microstructure surface and show how they might significantly reduce the erosion generally brought on by cavitation phenomenon processes. The mixing of the contiguous fluid was also improved by the collapse of cavitation bubbles at micro- and nano-patterned surfaces.
According to Aguilar, “We think that this study has the potential to be the beginning of developing applications in microfluidics and erosion prevention.” “Commercial microfluidic devices that utilise this technology may be available in the future for in-situ, high-precision biological assays that are presently limited to lab settings. We also think that by using this method, pumping equipment may operate more effectively and survive longer, which would result in lower costs.”
The planning phase of this project presented a significant obstacle. To successfully complete the project, the team required a wide range of experience from many fields, according to Aguilar, a job that mechanical engineers are well suited for. In addition to fluids, this study also incorporates optics, photonics, and material science, according to Aguilar. “We mechanical engineers have the comprehensive knowledge base necessary to solve such challenging issues. Thus, collaboration is key to this sort of transdisciplinary study.”
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