On-Chip Transport of Biological Fluids in MEMS Devices

The true impact of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can be considerabl accelaerated by adequate guidance to users for the correct and effective use of this rapidly deveoping and fairly intricate technology. The proposed project is designed to meet tis very challenge. The Phase I study will focus on the development of: (1)useable CFD rules, guidelines and checks for problem formulation, grid generation, and solution analysis; (2) the design of an expandable and intuitive expert system to interactively guide the user; and (3) an initial prototype to demonstrate the key attributes of the system. The expert system will be based on the rule-based reasoning. All user interaction will be via an object-oriented Graphical User Interface (GUI). The GUI will also allow interfaces with selected grid generation, CFD analysis, and visualization codes, and provide detailed on-line help as well as ready access to relevant reference material (e.g., graphics files of past simulations). CFDRC has significant directy relevant experience and softwre modules to enable efficient development and demonstration of the system. The Phase II study will expand the knowledge base and other components of the system in collaboration with additional experts.