The influence of fluid properties on flow dynamics in microchannels

The paper is concerned with the experimental investigations of Newtonian and non - Newtonian flows within a cross shaped microj unction. The microgeometry under consideration has a cross profile with three inlets and one outlet. The present study emphasizes the influence of fluid properties on the local hydrodynamics and the focusing phenomenon inside the microchannel. We investigate the dynamics of the interface between three different fluids: water, mineral oil, and a weakly elastic Polyacrylamide solution (PAA 1 % w/v) in the region of the cross linked branches.