Course content

MEMS: applications and relevance within microfluidics. Microhydrodynamics: continuum hypothesis, scaling effects, flow regimes in microscale, governing equations, boundary conditions, analytical solutions; surface, interface and body forces relevant in the microscale. Diffusion. Wetting and contact angle dynamics. Electrokinetics. Acoustofluidics. Basics in optofluidics. Two-phase flow and heat transfer in microchannels. Microchannels fabrication techniques. Experimental methods applied to microflows (micro-PIV, flow visualization). The course is given every other year, next time AUTUMN 2025, then 2027.

Learning outcome

The course is intended to give an insight into the physics involved in fluid flow in microchannels, including different micro flow devices and their applications. After completion of this course, the student will have:

- knowledge on: general properties of microfluidic systems, physics involved in gas and liquid flow in microchannels, surface forces dominating in the microscale, two-phase flow in microchannels, heat transfer in microchannels in the presence of boiling and condensation, bubbles and droplets manipulation in microfluidic applications.

- an overview on: experimental techniques used in microfluidics;

- skills on: solving simple problems of gas and liquid flows in microchannels, designing a microchannel system, evaluation of the appropriate experimental technique for the study of a given flow problem.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, examples, self-reading literature, exercises. To pass the course a score of at least 70 percent is required.

Required previous knowledge

The subject requires strong background in fluid mechanics and basic knowledge of heat and mass transfer.

Course materials

Lecture notes and selected literature given during the course.

Credit reductions