fluidic

Fluidic is an adjective relating to fluids or to the use of fluid flow in devices and systems. In engineering, it is often used to describe components or circuits that operate by the movement and pressure of liquids or gases, in contrast to electrical, mechanical, or solid‑state methods.

Fluidic devices rely on fluid dynamics rather than moving mechanical parts. Examples include fluidic amplifiers, valves, and logic elements, which control one fluid stream with another using pressure differences, jet interaction, and feedback. Early developments in fluidics focused on logic and switching elements that could operate in environments where electronics were impractical. The term and practice remain common in discussions of hydraulics, pneumatics, and fluidic control systems.

Microfluidics is a subfield that handles very small volumes in microfabricated channels, enabling precise manipulation, mixing, separation, and analysis of fluids. This area underpins lab‑on‑a‑chip technologies, point‑of‑care diagnostics, and high‑throughput screening. Techniques in microfluidics include laminar flow control, capillary phenomena, droplet and digital microfluidics, and electrokinetic actuation.

Fluidic research encompasses both macroscopic and microscopic scales, covering fundamental fluid dynamics, rheology, and interfacial phenomena. It intersects with chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, and materials science, and relies on fabrication methods such as soft lithography, 3D printing, and microchannel networks.

Overall, fluidic concepts emphasize passive or active control of fluids to perform functions without traditional solid or electronic components, enabling robust systems for harsh environments, compact analysis, and novel information processing in specialized applications.