Theoretical Microfluidics: 18 (Oxford Master Series in Physics)

Microfluidics is a young and rapidly expanding scientific discipline which deals with fluids and solutions in miniaturized systems the so-called lab-on-a-chip systems. It has applications in chemical engineering pharmaceutics biotechnology and medicine. As the lab-on-a-chip systems grow in complexity a proper theoretical understanding becomes increasingly important. . The basic idea of the book is to provide a self-contained formulation of the theoretical framework of microfluidics and at the same time give physical motivation and examples from lab-on-a-chip technology. After three chapters introducing microfluidics the governing equations for mass momentum and energy and some basic flow solutions the following 14 chapters treat hydraulic resistance/compliance diffusion/dispersion time-dependent flow capillarity electro- and magneto-hydrodynamics thermal transport two-phase flow complex flow patterns and acousto-fluidics as well as the new fields of opto- and nano-fluidics. Throughout the book simple models with analytical solutions are presented to provide the student with a thorough physical understanding of order of magnitudes and various selected microfluidic phenomena and devices. . The book grew out of a set of well-tested lecture notes. It is with its many pedagogical exercises designed as a textbook for an advanced undergraduate or first-year graduate course. It is also well suited for self-study.