Lagrangian μ-particletracking velocimetry analysis of microscale flow over structured surfaces

Merbach, Timo; Nissen, Jan H.; Riebesehl, Fabian; Rennpferdt, Lukas; Wigger, Christoph; Steuwe, Eike; Hoffmann, Marko; Trieu, Hoc Khiem; Fiedler, Bodo; Schlüter, Michael; Kameke, Alexandra von; Kexel, Felix

doi:https://doi.org/10.15480/882.18998

Lagrangian μ-particletracking velocimetry analysis of microscale flow over structured surfaces

Citation Link: https://doi.org/10.15480/882.18998

Publikationstyp

Journal Article

Date Issued

2026-10-08

Sprache

English

TORE-DOI

10.15480/882.18998

TORE-URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11420/65431

Journal

Industrial & engineering chemistry research

Volume

65

Issue

41

Start Page

22204

End Page

22219

Citation

Industrial & engineering chemistry research 65 (41): 22204–22219 (2026)

Publisher DOI

10.1021/acs.iecr.6c01159

Publisher

American Chemical Society (ACS)

Is Supplemented By

10.15480/882.16568

This work aims to provide an experimental basis for the improvement of (bio)reactors by studying flow over micro- and nanostructured surfaces, with a focus on microscale mass transport toward and away from the surface. μ-Particle tracking velocimetry is employed in a microreactor to experimentally obtain Lagrangian trajectories of flow-following tracer particles. The method also resolves three-dimensional, time-dependent velocity fields. The derived mean velocity profiles agree well with the theory of flow over porous walls. Beyond averaged Eulerian velocities, the Lagrangian framework captures near-surface interactions. The Lagrangian analysis of different surfaces indicates that rectangular structured microgrooves increase the wall contact of the tracer particles, especially when the flow is oriented perpendicular to the microgrooves. Particularly, this approach enables resolution of trapping phenomena and localized recirculation dynamics. Nanostructuring by growing a carbon nanotube forest increases surface area and modifies local fluid dynamics, thereby enhancing contact with (bio)catalysts that are potentially functionalized on the nanotubes in future applications.