Review of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer through Microchannels

This paper reveals the brief study of fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics in microchannels. The discussion begins with the parametric analysis of fluid flow through microchannels. This is followed by the review of heat transfer at microscale level and the description of factors which directly or indirectly affect the heat transfer rate. The paper signifies the various conditions and configurations which somehow affect the flow and heat transfer characteristics in microchannels. The paper further focusses on the recent techniques used for enhancing the heat transfer at microlevel. The paper presents a brief review of recent research initiatives in the field of microchannels. The application of fluid flow in microchannels is used for thermal management in the various fields which include biotechnology, aerospace, mechatronics and microelectronic devices. The review is largely based upon the research results reported during last few decades.