Rapid mixing of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids in a three-dimensional micro-mixer using non-uniform magnetic field

The mixing of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids in a magnetic micro-mixer was studied numerically using  ferrofluid. The mixing process was performed in a three-dimensional steady-state micro-mixer. A magnetic source was mounted at the entrance of the micro-channel to oscillate the magnetic particles. The effects of electric current, inlet velocity, size of magnetic particles, and non-Newtonian fluid were examined on the mixing efficiency. It was demonstrated that the mixing efficiency would increase with applied current and the size of magnetic particles. The inlet velocity has an inverse effect on the enhancement of the mixing efficiency. It is found that electric currents of 0A and 50A would lead to the mixing efficiency of 10% and 83%, respectively. In addition, the results of the present work revealed that the mixing efficiency of a non-Newtonian fluid (blood) is smaller than that of a Newtonian one.