The Method of Dimensional Analysis Using Similitude Theory Applied for Modeling of Fluid Flow In Microchannels

Recent progress obtained in the design and exploitation of microfluidic devices facilitates the development of many applications in the medicine and bio engineering field. The current paper is addressing an engineering approach for fluid flow modeling in microchannels. The approach is based on the dimensional analysis and principles of theory of similitude that allow the modeling of microscale systems using a physical system at miniscale by identifying a consistent relationship between dimensions, allowing analysis of flow through microchannels. Experimental researches were conducted on pipes with diameters between 1 mm and 3 mm and simulated pressure drops between 1 to 61 bars. The obtained data are processed, interpreted and compared with results presented in the literature on fluid flow through mini and micro channels.