<b>CFD optimization of integrated micromixer-micropump system for enhanced fluid mixing</b>

CFD optimization was performed to enhance fluid mixing performance in the integrated system of a Tesla micromixer and SAP micropump, enabling it to function effectively as a POC device for conducting complete laboratory analyses within a compact platform and small sample volumes. Simulations showed that the proposed POC unit achieved complete fluid mixing at a simulated pressure drop of Δ<i>P</i>_simulation = -10 kPa. Fluid mixing was caused by the generation of minor chaotic advection and Dean vortices at the trailing end of the helix branch of each valve. Conversely, an overall pumping efficiency of <i>η</i> = 0.61 was achieved due to the physical design limitations of the sub-atmospheric pressure micropump. These limitations caused the actual pressure drop, Δ<i>P</i>_actual to be lower than the simulated value Δ<i>P</i>_simulation. Furthermore, Δ<i>P</i>_actual was found to diminish over time.