Geometry-based macro-tool evaluation of non-moving-part valvular microchannels

    Authors

    C. Feldt;L. Chew

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Micromech. Microeng.

    Keywords

    Engineering, Electrical & Electronic; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology; Instruments & Instrumentation; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary; Mechanics

    Abstract

    An examination of non-moving-part (NMP) microvalves using geometry-based tools is presented. On a microscale, valves without moving parts possess the potential to greatly benefit fluid delivery systems. To improve valve effectiveness, these 'valves'-which are little more than rectangular, multiple-path channels-require configurations that retard reverse-direction flow as much as possible relative to forward-direction flow. Application of current geometry-based macro-tools to the microchannels of interest provides much insight into pressure-loss/flow-rate relationships for these valves. It was observed that for forward flow, macro-tools predict pressure losses quite well. For reverse flow, transition losses at this scale appear too minute to completely describe experimental data. Yet, with a modified model, pressure-loss behavior can follow a somewhat similar trend for the reverse case. With proper consideration, geometry-based macro-tools are shown to provide helpful insight into pressure-loss/flow-rate relationships for NMP microvalves.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering

    Volume

    12

    Issue/Number

    5

    Publication Date

    1-1-2002

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    662

    Last Page

    669

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000178281200023

    ISSN

    0960-1317

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