The system used specially for Visualization and Flow characterization in our laboratory is the Micro-PIV system. The Micro-PIV method enables the velocity profiles measurement in a fully developed flow, the vortex center location and the boundary identification between a main flow and secondary one.

Often the microfluidics CFD methods (Microchannel Flow Physics) consist of direct comparison of local flow field characteristics with numerical computations. Within our laboratory the experimental methods used for microscopic flow visualizations are based on (i) contrast substances – for a qualitative representation of the pathlines distributions, and also (ii) Micro-PIV measurements – which put in evidence the local hydrodynamic behavior of a steady fluid flow, with quantitative measurements of the velocity profiles and vortical structures identification (secondary flows).

For a more detailed description of the acquisition method and data interpretation of the Micro-PIV technique click here.