Figure 1.

Schematics of the different flow profiles and associated forces in curved channels of differing widths at inertial focusing velocities. Theoretical particle equilibrium positions are presented along with the directions and magnitudes of the secondary flow velocity (vectors and streamlines). The main flow velocity profile at the center of the channel height or the horizontal cross section going into the page is given as well as the Dean flow velocity (components tangent to the main channel flow) at the midline of the channel width or the vertical cross section. Note the slightly off center main flow velocity profiles are due to the Dean flow transferring the momentum of the faster moving fluid in the center of the channel towards the outer wall.