송시몬 교수 논문 : 2025. 09. J.Fluid Mech. 게재

송시몬 교수는 서강대 김원정 교수 연구팀과 최근 'Dynamics of water imbibition in multilayered paper channels'라는 제목의 연구 논문을 Jornal of Fluid Mechanics에 발표하였습니다.

논문 원문은 아래 DOI 링크를 통해 확인할 수 있습니다.

👉 doi:10.1017/jfm.2025.10764

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) have gained considerable attention

due to their ability to transport fluids without external pumps. Fluid motion in μPADs

is driven by capillary forces through the network of pores within paper substrates.

However, the inherently low flow speeds resulting from the small pore sizes in paper often

limit the performance of μPADs. Recent studies have introduced multilayered μPADs

composed of stacked paper sheets, which enable significantly faster fluid transport through

inter-layer channels. In this study, we present a combined theoretical and experimental

investigation of water imbibition dynamics through channels formed by multiple paper

layers. Upon contact with water, the paper layers absorb water and undergo swelling,

altering channel geometry and consequently affecting flow dynamics. We develop a

mathematical model that extends the classical Washburn equation to incorporate the

effects of water absorption and swelling. The model predictions show excellent agreement

with experimental observations of water flow through multilayered paper channels. The

results elucidate how water absorption and swelling influence capillary imbibition, and

suggest potential strategies for regulating flow rates in multilayered μPADs.

Key words: microfluidics, capillary flows, wetting and wicking