Flows in micro fluidic networks: from theory to simulation

When complex flow structures are designed, such as in DNA computing [McCaskill, J.S., (2001)], it is essential to be able to predict the flow pattern of the solutions in the fluidic network. A model based on the resistance of the channels and flow velocities of the inlets can eliminated reiterative design steps. We have constructed a symbolic model (using Mathematica/spl reg/) to determine the desired flow pattern based on the equations of Ohm and Kirchoff. The values from this simulation were used in a flow simulation program.