Numerical assessment of mixing performances in cross-T microchannel with curved ribs

The present study considers a measure for enhancing mixing capability in micromixers. It incorporates a new design of obstacle, in the form of thin curved ribs, inside the micromixer and explored numerically for its mixing capabilities. The ribs can be uniquely defined by its chord length (l) and its thickness (\(t_o\)). An in-house three-dimensional finite volume solver based on quasi-incompressible formulation is employed for the simulations. Results show that the use of curved obstacles enhances mixing efficiency with a significantly lower pressure drop compared to that of using straight ribs. Also, a set of parametric studies is conducted for effects of parameters namely number of modules, angle of inclination, size and spacing between the curved obstacles and with inlet Re. The results show that mixing can be enhanced with the increase in the number of modules, sizes etc. of the obstacles. About \(45\%\) mixing enhancement has been observed for the channel having curved obstacles with of four modules and \(60^{\circ }\) angle of inclination than that of no obstacle case.