Numerical investigation of polygonal particle separation in microfluidic channels

We numerically investigate the separation of polygonal particles through an array of solid obstacles in microfluidic devices. Particle–fluid, particle–particle and particle–wall interactions are all considered in our numerical method. Firstly, the separation of circular particles based on size is simulated and the relationship of the migration angle and forcing angle by our simulations is coincided with the experimental results. Then, the simulations of polygon particle separation based on shape are carried out. The results show that the shape of particles can be used for particle separation through an array of solid obstacles. Through reasonable design of the shape of obstacles, separation of polygon particles can be achieved. In addition, the results indicate that our numerical method has the potential to substantially improve the design and optimization of microfluidic devices for the separation of particles.