Work

A semi-empirical model to predict resonant conditions in valveless asymmetric pumping

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The Liebau effect generates a net flow without the need for valves. For the Liebau effect pumping phenomenon to occur, the pump must have specific characteristics. It needs tubes with different elastic properties and an actuator to provide energy to the fluid. The actuator periodically compresses the more flexible element. Furthermore, asymmetry is a crucial factor that differentiates between two pumping mechanisms: impedance pumping and asymmetric pumping. In this work, a model based on the fluid dynamics of an asymmetric valveless pump under resonant conditions is proposed to determine which parameters influence the pumped flow rate. Experimental work is used to validate the model, after which each of the parameters involved in the pump performance is dimensionlessly analysed. This highlights the most significant parameters influencing the pump performance such as the actuator period, length tube ratio and tube diameters. The results point out ways to increase a valveless asymmetric pump’s net-propelled flow rate, which has exciting applications in fields such as biomedicine. The model also allows for predicting the resonance period, a fundamental operating parameter for asymmetric pumping.

Source: Journal of Fluid Mechanics

DOI: 10.1017/jfm.2025.117

Authors: M. Rubio, J. Anatol, J. Sierra-Pallares, C. Barrios-Collado, F. Castro-Ruiz

Institution: Universidad de Valladolid

Language: English

Topic: Fluid dynamics and aerodynamics studies

Subfield: Computational Mechanics

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550

Funder: Junta de Castilla y León