Inertial focusing of spherical particles in curved microfluidic ducts at moderate Dean numbers

We examine the effect of Dean number on inertial focusing spherical particles suspended in flow through curved microfluidic ducts. Previous modelling particle migration ducts assumed rate was small enough that a leading-order approximation background with respect to produces reasonable model. Herein, we extend our model situations involving moderate (in microfluidics context) while Reynolds remains small. Variations cause change axial velocity profile which influences lift force particle. Simultaneously, changes cross-sectional components directly affect secondary induced drag. In keeping small, continue approximate using regular perturbation capturing subtle effects from modified flow. This approach pushes limits at is applicable provide some insights into how variations influence focusing. Our results illustrate that, as extrema move towards outside edge cross-section increasing number, observe similar shift stable equilibria some, but not all, sizes. might be exploited enhance lateral separation by size practical scenarios.