Evaluation of the mixing index in a micromixer of side feeds in a conical chamber

This study delves into the investigation of mixing efficiency in microdevices by augmenting angular momentum within a truncated cone-shaped micromixer through side-feedings. While microchannel flows are typically dominated by molecular transport, characterized by parallel streamlines, this hinders rapid responses in mixing quality. To address this, we evaluate a micromixer featuring side-feedings coupled to a 2D truncated cone, followed by a wavy microchannel. The research assesses the impact of feed arrangement in the entrance section, Reynolds number (Re), and the curvatures of bumps in the wavy microchannel. Symmetrical lateral feeds promote homogeneous mixing in the inlet section where streamlines intersect. At the device outlet, all bump curvatures contribute to a mixing index exceeding 0.90 within a Reynolds number range of 20 to 40. Additionally, lower Reynolds numbers (Re = 0.1) yield a mixing index above 0.90, but with a slower and predominantly diffusive flow. Notably, a sharper curvature geometry results in smaller pressure drops while maintaining a comparable mixing index to other geometries, indicating it as a promising choice for bump curvature. [Display omitted] •Two side-feedings enhance mixing, achieving a 0.95 mixing index at the exit.•Side feedings at the conical entrance start with a 0.50 mixing index.•Sharper wall bumps improve mixing indexes and reduce pressure drops.•At Reynolds Number equal to 30, this flow reaches its peak in the mixing index.