Flow Modes of Non-Newtonian Fluids with Power-Law Rheology in a T-Shaped Micromixer

Abstract

The flow and mixing modes of non-Newtonian fluids in a T-shaped micromixer were studied by numerical simulation in the range of Reynolds numbers 1–250. The non-Newtonian fluid was described using the power-law model. The exponent n was varied: 0.3, 0.5, and 0.8. The mixing efficiency and pressure drop in the channel were correlated with the exponent n and Reynolds number. The exponent n was shown to significantly affect the flow structure before and especially after the transition from symmetric to asymmetric flow modes.