Microfluidic experiments
Microfluidic experiments are required to study the fundamental physical phenomena of invasion and transport processes in porous media. We use SiO2 lattices produced by combined photolithography and wet-etching techniques. Visualization of the invasion process is realized with CCD cameras and LED illumination. The experimental setup allows to study isothermal and non-isothermal processes.
Relevant publications:
1. Vorhauer, N.; Metzger, T.; Tsotsas, E.; Prat, M. (2012) Experimental investigation of drying by pore networks: Influence of pore size distribution and temperature, Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Porous Media and its Applications in Science, Engineering and Industry 2012, Potsdam, Germany
2. Vorhauer, N.; Tran, Q.T.; Metzger, T.; Tsotsas, E.; Prat, M. (2013) Experimental investigation of drying in a model porous medium: Influence of thermal gradients, Drying Technology, 31, 920-929
3. Vorhauer, N.; Wang, Y.; Kharaghani, R.; Tsotsas E.; Prat, M. (2015) Drying with formation of capillary rings in a model porous medium, Transport in Porous Media, 110, 197-223
4. Vorhauer, N.; Tsotsas, E.; Prat, M. (2018) Temperature gradient induced double-stabilization of the evaporation front within a drying porous medium, Phys. Rev. Fluids 3, 114201