Measuring Complex Flow in Microfluidic Devices
Supervisor: Dr. Tamie Poepping
Can extend to MSc?: Yes
Project Description (Abstract):
Microfluidic devices generate flow microenvironments such as can be applied to cell cultures. Careful measurement and mapping of the flow field is important for establishing the physical forces and chemical exposures experienced by the cells. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is a method for mapping flow fields using consecutive images of particles to track the motion. Here a micro-PIV system using a microscope will be used to visualize micron-sized particles with sufficient temporal and spatial resolution to characterize a spectrum of targeted flow stimuli in our microfluidic chambers, including high-frequency oscillations and turbulent flow. This project will involve the implementation of microfluidic actuators for generating different flow to impose various shear stress conditions in custom microfluidic devices and measuring the flow fields using micro-PIV.
