Abstract
This disclosure describes a modular experimental platform combining vortex-structured microfluidic channel geometry with externally applied acoustic field modulation to actively control microscale fluid transport. The system is designed to evaluate whether hybrid passive–active flow structuring can reduce clogging, improve particle dispersion, and increase transport stability in laminar microfluidic environments.
The platform integrates PDMS-based microchannels (straight, vortex/spiral, and redundant branching geometries) with a phased piezoelectric transducer array capable of generating continuous, pulsed, and phase-shifted acoustic fields. These fields induce acoustic streaming and vortex-like flow perturbations within the fluidic domain.
A closed-loop imaging system tracks particle motion using high-speed microscopy and computational flow analysis, enabling quantitative evaluation of stagnation zones, clog formation, and transport efficiency.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Caldwell, Michael Victor Mr., "AFMU-1: Adaptive Vortex–Acoustic Microfluidic Platform for Active Flow Stabilization, Clog Mitigation, and Transport Enhancement in Constrained Fluidic Systems", Technical Disclosure Commons, (April 21, 2026)
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/9886