COMSOL Multiphysics modeling of acoustic actuation in a microfluidic, mass-transporting reactor

This study investigates the influence of ultrasonic actuation on fluid dynamics and mass transport within microfluidic channels using COMSOL Multiphysics simulations. The purpose behind these simulations is to investigate if and how ultrasonic actuation can be used to improve the weathering of Olvine for CO2 capture. Microfluidic systems, such as lab-on-a-chip devices, offer promising development avenues for biomedical and chemical analysis because of their compact size and precise control of microscale flows. Ultrasonic or acoustic actuation has been identified as an attractive tool for enhanced mixing, pumping, and particle manipulation. This work models the effects of high-frequency acoustic actuation on micrometer-scale fluid channels and analyzes the resulting changes in flow patterns and mass transport. The study identifies key insights on frequency choice and node placement and attempts to show that acoustic actuation significantly impacts the balance between convection and diffusion in mass transport.