Theoretical Microfluidics

Theoretical Microfluidics explores the rapidly evolving field of microfluidics, delving into the behavior of fluids in miniaturized lab-on-a-chip systems. With its applications spanning chemical engineering, pharmaceutics, biotechnology, and medicine, the discipline demands a sound theoretical basis as its complexity increases. In this comprehensive text, Henrik Bruus provides a self-contained formulation of the fundamental principles that govern microfluidic phenomena. After an introductory section on the basics of microfluidics, the book systematically presents the governing equations of mass, momentum, and energy, along with primary flow solutions. Subsequent chapters investigate key topics such as hydraulic resistance and compliance, diffusion and dispersion, time-dependent flow, capillarity, as well as electro- and magnetohydrodynamics. Further discussions cover thermal transport, two-phase flow, complex flow patterns, and acousto-fluidics, while also introducing emerging areas like opto- and nano-fluidics. By offering simple analytical models, the book aims to build a robust physical understanding of representative microfluidic phenomena and devices. Drawing on well-tested lecture notes, Theoretical Microfluidics is designed as an advanced textbook for undergraduate or first-year graduate courses and is equally well suited for self-study.