Welcome to the homepage of the Micro-flow Control Laboratory (MCLab) at Washington State University Vancouver!
The MCLab is devoted to the study of fluid dynamics and heat transfer control on the micro- and meso-scale. At this smaller scale, centuries-old flow concepts are modified, with traditional viscous and inertial forces increasingly influenced by alternate mechanisms such as electrical and surface tension forces. These effects cause many small-scale devices to experience reduced efficiency and manufacturability. With the growing prominence of portable devices, such as chemical analyzers, medical devices, and electronic components, new techniques must be developed for optimal flow performance. Fortunately, many of the same unique micro- and meso-scale flow mechanisms also may be exploited to control and enhance the flow response, and the MCLab investigates these unique methods.