Design optimization of a rectangular wave micromixer (RWM) using Taguchi based grey relational analysis (GRA)

Design optimization of a rectangular wave passive micromixer is performed using numerical analysis, and Taguchi based grey relational analysis. Optimization study is carried out at a constant Reynolds number of 25. The three design variables viz. the height of the channel, the width of the wavy channel in the y-direction, and the wavy amplitude are considered. The parametric study has been conducted based on the Taguchi's orthogonal array, L-27. The significant performance characteristics viz. mixing index and pressure drop are considered for multi-objective optimization. A grey relational grade is used as a performance index to find out an optimal set of design parameters. The experimental validation for micromixer with optimal design configuration and other three micromixer design configurations has been carried out. The optimized micromixer could be integrated with microfluidic systems including lab on a chip, micro total analysis system, and in the biomedical and biochemical analysis.