Alternating Current Electroosmotic Micropumping Using A Square Spiral Microelectrode Array

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Authors

Moore, Thomas Allen

Date

2011-04-06T14:17:45Z

Type

thesis

Language

eng

Keyword

MEMS , micropump , ACEO , microfluidics , electrokinetics , electrohydrodynamics

Research Projects

Organizational Units

Journal Issue

Alternative Title

Abstract

An alternating current electroosmotic micro pumping device has been designed, experimentally tested and theoretically analyzed using an electrohydrodynamic theoretical model applied to a computer simulation model. The device SP-1 is a microelectrode array which uses the principal of AC electroosmosis (EO), ions driven along microelectrode surfaces by coulomb forces produced by tangential electric fields. These ions, when driven, induce a net fluid motion due to viscous drag forces. Three submerged microelectrode wires were deposited on a substrate using microfabrication techniques such that a square spiral geometry was formed. Device SP-1 received asymmetrically applied AC signals creating a travelling wave of potential and resulted in a net fluid flow across the microelectrode array. Microsphere tracer particles were suspended in ethanol to measure the fluid velocity to determine pumping performance and the experimental operating frequency at which maximum fluid velocity is achieved. The experimental results were reviewed and at an AC signal frequency of 125 Hz, device SP-1 was capable of pumping ethanol at a fluid velocity of approximately 270 μm/s. The experimental results were in good agreement with the theoretical predictions produced using the computer simulation model. In addition, the computer simulation model predicted a similar flow profile to those previously predicted and experimentally observed. Overall, novel micropumping device SP-1 was found to produce a net flow comparable to previously tested devices and a computer simulation framework capable of analyzing future micropump design concepts was developed.

Description

Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-04-01 17:12:02.908

Citation

Publisher

License

This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.

Journal

Volume

Issue

PubMed ID

External DOI

ISSN

EISSN