Constructal microdevice manifold design with uniform flow rate distribution by consideration of the tree-branching rule of Leonardo da Vinci and Hess-Murray rule

Abstract

In this paper, we show how the design of a microdevice manifold should be tapered for uniform flow rate distribution. The designs based on the tree-branching rule of Leonardo da Vinci and the Hess-Murray rule were considered in addition to the constructal design. Both da Vinci and Hess-Murray designs are insensitive to the inlet velocity, and they provide better flow uniformity than the base (not tapered) design. However, the results of this paper uncover that not only pressure drop but also velocity distribution in the microdevice play an integral role in the flow uniformity. Therefore, an iterative approach was adopted with five degrees-of-freedom (inclined wall positions) and one constraint (constant distribution channel thickness) in order to uncover the constructal design which conforms the uniform flow rate distribution. In addition, the effect of slenderness of the microchannels (Svelteness) and inlet velocity on the flow rate distribution to the microchannels has been documented. This paper also uncovers that the design of a manifold should be designed with not only the consideration of pressure distribution but also dynamic pressure distribution especially for non-Svelte microdevices.