DL12: Fluid Dynamics in Nanoscale Environments

This project focuses on the analysis of fluid behavior in sub-micron scale environments using microfabricated nanochannels with the intent of investigating applications such as the development of ultra-sensitive detection systems. The small scale in which the experiments will be conducted allows for the generation of extremely high levels of shear in the fluid. In addition, the fluid is expected to behave differently in the nanochannels than at the macroscale due to the increasingly significant contribution of intermolecular forces and because double layers formed along the sidewalls fill a much greater portion of the overall channel dimensions.

Project end date: 02/10/04