Mean flow structure in high aspect ratio microchannel flows

Abstract

An experimental investigation of water flow through a high aspect ratio rectangular microchannel was conducted to further understand fluid dynamic characteristics in microchannels and to test the validity of macroscale theories that are commonly utilized at the microscale. A rectangular microchannel with nominal dimensions of 500 μm in height, 6. mm in width, and 32.8. cm in length was CNC machined into an aluminum blank. The test-section was completed by attaching a cap blank to the microchannel blank. Pressure and velocity data were obtained over a Reynolds number range from 173 to 4830, where the Reynolds number is based upon hydraulic diameter and channel average velocity. Velocity data ..