Description
Fluid-structure interactions are commonly used in the development of microfluidic analogues of microelectronic devices. Examples that exist already in the literature include microfluidic diodes, transistors, and capacitors. In this talk, we theoretically and experimentally explore a microfluidic fuse, a device which prevents fluid flow above a determined critical flow rate. These devices consist of a channel formed along the axis of a cylindrical elastomer, confined on all sides by a rigid mold. The softness of the elastomer permits shape-morphing of the channel in response to fluid forcing. Beyond the critical flow rate, flow-induced deformation causes the channel diameter to increase in nearer the flow inlet, displacing elastomer towards the flow outlet, where the channel constricts. If the magnitude of this deformation is sufficient, the channel will constrict to the point that fluid flow is inhibited (the flow is "choked"). For this proof-of-concept device, we demonstrate the robustness of this choking mechanism, explore the tunability of the critical choking flux, and compare with theoretical predictions.