Mixing efficiency of Y-type micromixers with different angles

The angle effect (alpha = +30 degrees, +/- 60 degrees, +/- 90 degrees, and +/- 120 degrees) of Y-type micromixers has been extensively studied using micro Laser Induced Fluorescence (mu LIF) and micro Particle Image Velocimetry (mu PIV) optical techniques to visualize and quantify concentration and velocity fields in order to examine mixing performance. An optimal alpha was obtained based upon mixing efficiency and mixing length. In addition, the effect of Joule heating on mixing was studied and discussed here. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.