Abstract
The transport of soft particles through narrow channels or pores is ubiquitous in biological systems and industrial processes. On many occasions, the particles deform and temporarily block the channel, inducing a built-up pressure. This pressure buildup often has a profound effect on the behavior of the respective system; yet, it is difficult to be characterized. In this work, we establish a quantitative correlation between the built-up pressure and the material and geometry properties through experiments and mechanics analysis. We fabricate microgels with a controlled diameter and elastic modulus by microfluidics. We then force them to individually pass through a constrictive or straight confining channel and monitor the pressure variation across the channel. To interpret the pressure measurement, we develop an analytical model based on the Neo-Hookean material law to quantify the dependence of the maximum built-up pressure on the radius ratio of the elastic sphere to the channel, the elastic modulus of the sphere, and two constant parameters in the friction constitutive law between the sphere and the channel wall. This model not only agrees very well with the experimental measurement conducted at large microgel deformation but also recovers the classical theory of contact at small deformation. Featuring a balance between accuracy and simplicity, our result could shed light on understanding various biological and engineering processes involving the passage of elastic particles through narrow channels or pores.
Recommended Citation
S. Li et al., "Understanding Transport of an Elastic, Spherical Particle through a Confining Channel," Applied Physics Letters, vol. 116, no. 10, American Institute of Physics (AIP), Mar 2020.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5139887
Department(s)
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Research Center/Lab(s)
Center for Research in Energy and Environment (CREE)
Keywords and Phrases
Deformation; Elastic Moduli; Gels, Constant Parameters; Engineering Process; Geometry Properties; Industrial Processs; Mechanics Analysis; Neo-Hookean Material; Pressure Variations; Quantitative Correlation, Spheres
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0003-6951; 1077-3118
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2020 The Authors, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Mar 2020
