Complex flow dynamics around 3D microbot prototypes

Abstract

A new experimental setup for the study of the complex flow dynamics around 3D microbot prototypesin a straight microchannel has been developed and assessed. The ultimate aim of this work is focusedon the analysis of the morphology of different microbot prototypes to get a better insight into theirefficiency when they swim through the main conduits of the human circulatory system. The setupconsists of a fused silica straight microchannel with a 3D microbot prototype fastened in the center ofthe channel cross-section by an extremely thin support. Four different prototypes were considered: acube, a sphere and two ellipsoids with aspect ratios of 1 : 2 and 1 : 4, respectively. Flow visualization andmicro-particle image velocimetry (mPIV) measurements were performed using Newtonian and viscoelasticblood analogue fluids. An efficiency parameter, I, to discriminate the prototypes in terms of flowdisturbance has been proposed.