Steady flows in networks of microfluidic channels: building on the analogy with electrical circuits

This paper gathers comments and elaborations on the classical representation of networks of microfluidic channels in terms of equivalent electrical circuits. Basics on pressure-driven and electro-osmotic flows are first recalled. A unified formalism for hydrodynamic and electro-kinetic effects in networks of arbitary topology is then presented. Eventually, comments on the representation of pumps by generators are proposed. To cite this article: A. Ajdari, C. R. Physique 5 (2004).