Modeling of contactless bubble–bubble interactions in microchannels with integrated inertial pumps

In this study, the nonlinear effect of contactless bubble–bubble interactions in inertial micropumps is characterized via reduced parameter one-dimensional and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (3D CFD) modeling. A pump model developed to account for bubble-bubble interactions, accuracy assessed commercial volume CFD software, FLOW-3D. The FLOW-3D validated against experimental bubble images as well data. Precollapse postcollapse flow two resistors a channel have been successfully explained by modified model. net pumping design space function resistor placement firing time delay. accurately predicts cumulative simultaneous with inner-channel placements (0.2L < x 0.8L where L length) delayed when delay greater than required vapor fill cross section. general, suffers at near-reservoir short delays which we propose result 3D bubble-reservoir transverse growth respectively, that are not captured We find improves smaller heights. envision first-order rapid tool pump-based microfluidic systems operating interaction regime.