This paper analyzes the possibility of obtaining the selective transport of microparticles suspended in air in a microgravity environment through modulated channels without net displacement of air. Using numerical simulation and bifurcation analysis tools, we show the existence of intermittent particle drift under the Stokes assumption of the fluid flow. The particle transport can be selective and the direction of transport is controlled only by the kind of pumping used. The selective transport is interpreted as a deterministic ratchet effect due to spatial variations in the flow and the particle drag. This ratchet phenomenon could be applied to the selective transport of metal particles during the short duration of microgravity experiments.

本文分析了获得微重力环境中悬浮在空气中的微粒通过调制通道而没有空气净位移的选择性运输的可能性。使用数值模拟和分叉分析工具，我们显示了在流体流动的斯托克斯假设下间歇性颗粒漂移的存在。颗粒的运输可以是选择性的，运输的方向只能由所使用的泵送类型来控制。由于流动和颗粒阻力的空间变化，选择性运输被解释为确定性的棘轮效应。这种棘轮现象可以应用于在微重力实验的短时间内选择性运输金属颗粒。