Rapid mixing of Newtonian and nonNewtonian fluids in a threedimensional micromixer using nonuniform magnetic field

The mixing of Newtonian and nonNewtonian fluids in a magnetic micromixer was studied numerically using  ferrofluid. The mixing process was performed in a threedimensional steadystate micromixer. A magnetic source was mounted at the entrance of the microchannel to oscillate the magnetic particles. The effects of electric current, inlet velocity, size of magnetic particles, and nonNewtonian fluid were examined on the mixing efficiency. It was demonstrated that the mixing efficiency would increase with applied current and the size of magnetic particles. The inlet velocity has an inverse effect on the enhancement of the mixing efficiency. It is found that electric currents of 0A and 50A would lead to the mixing efficiency of 10% and 83%, respectively. In addition, the results of the present work revealed that the mixing efficiency of a nonNewtonian fluid (blood) is smaller than that of a Newtonian one.