This thesis presents a computational fluid flow analysis in narrow rectangular channels, with regular spaced cylindrical disks acting as obstructions to fluid flow. The problem geometry is based on an approximation of the configuration used in a PCR detection chamber. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method of DNA analysis that depends on the flow uniformity within the detection channel. The nominal channel is a narrow channel with a maximum gap height of 0.13 mm and a maximum width of 5.0 mm. The fluid flow rate and channel size result in a Reynolds number less than 5. The effect of oligonucleotide detection probes within the detection channel and the channel geometry on the fluid pressure is determined. This is accomplished by approximating the detection probes as short cylinders and using the CFD code FLUENT to calculate the flow velocity within an idealized rectangular detection chamber. The CFD results are compared to theoretical potential flow solutions and other published numerical results in 2-dimensions. This work extends the 2-D solutions to solve the full 3-dimensional flow field within the detection chamber
