Bubble micro-actuator

Contact: Jie Xu

It has been shown that an oscillating micro-bubble can generate a micro-fluid flow (Fig. 1). This has been used to manipulate biological cells and actuate a micro-rotor at frequencies higher than 500 rpm. The aim of the project is to study the influence of micro-geometries on the fluid flow and bubble stability. Once this is understood, prototypes of bubble-based actuators and manipulators will be manufactured.

Figure 1: micro-streaming generated by an oscillating bubble

Figure 2: a micro-turbine actuated by an oscillating micro-bubble. Click on the picture to see turbine motion.

Funding: NSF CAREER grant Investigation of bubble dynamics in microscale geometries, with applications in bioengineering and microfluidics

Publications:

• Wang, X., F. Moraga, and D. Attinger, A micro-rotor driven by an acoustic bubble. Microscale Thermophysical Engineering. (accepted for publication, July 2005).
• Xu, J. and D. Attinger, Measurements of the dynamics of a single gas bubble moving in complex micro-geometries, in Submitted to:   Fluid Engineering in Micro- and Nanosystems Forum, 2006 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, November 5-10, 2006 Chicago, Illinois. 2006