Mixing efficiency of Y-type micromixers with different angles

Highlights: • Angle effect of Y-type micromixers has been extensively studied. • Using μLIF/μPIV to visualize and quantify concentration and velocity distribution. • Optimal angle can be obtained based upon mixing efficiency and mixing length. • Effect of Joule heating on mixing was studied and discussed. -- Abstract: The angle effect (α = +30°, ±60°, ±90°, and ±120°) of Y-type micromixers has been extensively studied using micro Laser Induced Fluorescence (μLIF) and micro Particle Image Velocimetry (μPIV) optical techniques to visualize and quantify concentration and velocity fields in order to examine mixing performance. An optimal α was obtained based upon mixing efficiency and mixing length. In addition, the effect of Joule heating on mixing was studied and discussed here