ACMD Seminar: Modeling pairwise particle interactions in an inertial microfluidic channel

Kaitlyn Hood
Mathematics Dept, Purdue University

Tuesday, August 9, 2022, 3:00-4:00 EDT (1:00-2:00 MDT)

Abstract: In microfluidic devices, inertia drives particles to focus on a finite number of inertial focusing streamlines. Particles on the same streamline interact to form one-dimensional microfluidic crystals (or “particle trains”). Here we develop an asymptotic theory to describe the pairwise interactions underlying the formation of a one-dimensional crystal. Surprisingly, we show that particles assemble into stable equilibria, analogous to the motion of a damped spring. The damping of the spring is due to inertial focusing forces, and the spring force arises from the interplay of viscous particle-particle and particle-wall interactions. The equilibrium spacing can be represented by a quadratic function in the particle size and therefore can be controlled by tuning the particle radius.

Bio: Kaitlyn Hood is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Mathematics Department at Purdue University. She received a BS in Mathematics and Physics from University of Maryland at College Park in 2010. In 2016, she completed her PhD in Applied Mathematics at the University of California Los Angeles, where she was an NSF Graduate Research Fellow. From 2016-2019, Kaitlyn was an NSF Mathematical Science Research Postdoctoral Fellow at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her interests include numerical and asymptotic methods for modeling fluid mechanics at moderate Reynolds numbers.

Host: Paul Patrone

Note: This talk will be recorded to provide access to NIST staff and associates who could not be present to the time of the seminar. The recording will be made available in the Math channel on NISTube, which is accessible only on the NIST internal network. This recording could be released to the public through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Do not discuss or visually present any sensitive (CUI/PII/BII) material. Ensure that no inappropriate material or any minors are contained within the background of any recording. (To facilitate this, we request that cameras of attendees are muted except when asking questions.)

Note: Visitors from outside NIST must contact Lochi Orr (301) 975-3800; at least 24 hours in advance.