Author(s): Fernandes, João ; Machado, Dara ; Minas, Graça ; Catarino, Susana Oliveira ; Pinho, Diana
Date: 2025
Persistent ID: https://hdl.handle.net/1822/96274
Origin: RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
Subject(s): Clinostat; COMSOL multiphysics; Finite element methods; Microfluidics; Microgravity
Microgravity simulation is essential for studying particle dynamics in space-related applications where traditional gravitational effects are absent. This study presents a numerical investigation of particle behavior in a clinostat-driven microfluidic channel, aiming to simulate microgravity conditions. A computational model was developed in COMSOL Multiphysics to analyze the impact of channel size, particle diameter, and rotational speed on particle trajectories and establish sets of parameters for assuring microgravity conditions. The results revealed that stable microgravity-like conditions could be achieved within specific parameter ranges, e.g., larger channel radii requiring lower rotational velocities for particle suspension. However, the tendency for gravitational settling increased with particle size or under suboptimal rotational speeds. These findings provide insights into the effectiveness of clinorotation as a microgravity simulation method and establish a foundation for optimizing experimental designs in space research and biomedical applications.
