Topology Optimization for Microfluidic Mixers by a Phase Field Method

ABSTRACT We investigate multi‐physical topology optimization for microfluidic mixers. Starting from the Ising model, we derive a thermodynamically consistent Ginzburg–Landau free energy functional that incorporates the objective functional as an effective external field, providing a physically interpretable framework for phase‐field topology optimization. To eliminate fluid blockage in microfluidic mixers, we incorporate the coupled Navier–Stokes, convection–diffusion, and Poisson–Boltzmann equations. An Allen–Cahn type gradient flow method is proposed based on sensitivity analysis. The algorithm is validated for its computational effectiveness through numerical simulations of benchmark problems in 2D and 3D.

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Publication Details

Journal
International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids
Published
2026-06-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/fld.70083
Primary Topic
Topology Optimization in Engineering
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Topology Optimization for Microfluidic Mixers by a Phase Field Method

Shengfeng Zhu, Zongyuan Liu, Jiajie Li
International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids
Topology Optimization in Engineering
article

Topology Optimization for Microfluidic Mixers by a Phase Field Method

Shengfeng Zhu, Zongyuan Liu, Jiajie Li
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT We investigate multi‐physical topology optimization for microfluidic mixers. Starting from the Ising model, we derive a thermodynamically consistent Ginzburg–Landau free energy functional that incorporates the objective functional as an effective external field, providing a physically interpretable framework for phase‐field topology optimization. To eliminate fluid blockage in microfluidic mixers, we incorporate the coupled Navier–Stokes, convection–diffusion, and Poisson–Boltzmann equations. An Allen–Cahn type gradient flow method is proposed based on sensitivity analysis. The algorithm is validated for its computational effectiveness through numerical simulations of benchmark problems in 2D and 3D.

International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (CN), East China Normal University (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality
Openalex Percentile: Top 100%
Topology Optimization in Engineering
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Topology Optimization for Microfluidic Mixers by a Phase Field Method — Shengfeng Zhu, Zongyuan Liu, et al. · International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS