Three-dimensional corner flows in microchannels

We study, by means of three-dimensional numerical simulations and analytical investigations, low Reynolds number fluid flows in rectangular micro-channels that present sharp angles, bends or curved boundaries. These flows are characterized by the generation of secondary streamwise vorticity, adjacent to the boundary, whose intensity is related to the rate of change of the curvature of the boundary (Balsa, 1998). We also study how this not well-known, yet relevant phenomenon affects the transport of scalar quantities at the boundary.