Modeling Microgravity Using Clinorotation in a Microfluidic Environment: A Numerical Approach
Microgravity simulation is essential for studying particle dynamics in space-related applications where traditional gravitational effects are absent. This study presents a numerical investigation of particle behavior in a clinostat-driven microfluidic channel, aiming to simulate microgravity conditi...
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MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Aerospace |
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| author | João Fernandes Dara Machado Graça Minas Susana O. Catarino Diana Pinho |
| author_facet | João Fernandes Dara Machado Graça Minas Susana O. Catarino Diana Pinho |
| author_sort | João Fernandes |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Microgravity simulation is essential for studying particle dynamics in space-related applications where traditional gravitational effects are absent. This study presents a numerical investigation of particle behavior in a clinostat-driven microfluidic channel, aiming to simulate microgravity conditions. A computational model was developed in COMSOL Multiphysics to analyze the impact of channel size, particle diameter, and rotational speed on particle trajectories and establish sets of parameters for assuring microgravity conditions. The results revealed that stable microgravity-like conditions could be achieved within specific parameter ranges, e.g., larger channel radii requiring lower rotational velocities for particle suspension. However, the tendency for gravitational settling increased with particle size or under suboptimal rotational speeds. These findings provide insights into the effectiveness of clinorotation as a microgravity simulation method and establish a foundation for optimizing experimental designs in space research and biomedical applications. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | Matheson Library |
| issn | 2226-4310 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Aerospace |
| spelling | doaj-art-c20998fcdca546b0847e4e59a68d95342025-06-25T13:19:30ZengMDPI AGAerospace2226-43102025-06-0112653510.3390/aerospace12060535Modeling Microgravity Using Clinorotation in a Microfluidic Environment: A Numerical ApproachJoão Fernandes0Dara Machado1Graça Minas2Susana O. Catarino3Diana Pinho4CMEMS—Center for Microelectromechanical Systems, University of Minho, 4800–058 Guimarães, PortugalCMEMS—Center for Microelectromechanical Systems, University of Minho, 4800–058 Guimarães, PortugalCMEMS—Center for Microelectromechanical Systems, University of Minho, 4800–058 Guimarães, PortugalCMEMS—Center for Microelectromechanical Systems, University of Minho, 4800–058 Guimarães, PortugalCMEMS—Center for Microelectromechanical Systems, University of Minho, 4800–058 Guimarães, PortugalMicrogravity simulation is essential for studying particle dynamics in space-related applications where traditional gravitational effects are absent. This study presents a numerical investigation of particle behavior in a clinostat-driven microfluidic channel, aiming to simulate microgravity conditions. A computational model was developed in COMSOL Multiphysics to analyze the impact of channel size, particle diameter, and rotational speed on particle trajectories and establish sets of parameters for assuring microgravity conditions. The results revealed that stable microgravity-like conditions could be achieved within specific parameter ranges, e.g., larger channel radii requiring lower rotational velocities for particle suspension. However, the tendency for gravitational settling increased with particle size or under suboptimal rotational speeds. These findings provide insights into the effectiveness of clinorotation as a microgravity simulation method and establish a foundation for optimizing experimental designs in space research and biomedical applications.https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/12/6/535clinostatCOMSOL multiphysicsfinite element methodsmicrofluidicsmicrogravity |
| spellingShingle | João Fernandes Dara Machado Graça Minas Susana O. Catarino Diana Pinho Modeling Microgravity Using Clinorotation in a Microfluidic Environment: A Numerical Approach Aerospace clinostat COMSOL multiphysics finite element methods microfluidics microgravity |
| title | Modeling Microgravity Using Clinorotation in a Microfluidic Environment: A Numerical Approach |
| title_full | Modeling Microgravity Using Clinorotation in a Microfluidic Environment: A Numerical Approach |
| title_fullStr | Modeling Microgravity Using Clinorotation in a Microfluidic Environment: A Numerical Approach |
| title_full_unstemmed | Modeling Microgravity Using Clinorotation in a Microfluidic Environment: A Numerical Approach |
| title_short | Modeling Microgravity Using Clinorotation in a Microfluidic Environment: A Numerical Approach |
| title_sort | modeling microgravity using clinorotation in a microfluidic environment a numerical approach |
| topic | clinostat COMSOL multiphysics finite element methods microfluidics microgravity |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/12/6/535 |
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