Flow dynamical behavior and performance of a micro viscous pump with unequal inlet and outlet areas

Abstract

The micro viscous pump is an important type of fluidic device. Optimizing the working performance of the pump is crucial for its wider application. A micro viscous pump design with unequal inlet and outlet areas is proposed in this paper. The flow field of the viscous pump is investigated using 2D laminar simulations. The mass flow rate and driving power are studied with different opening angles. The effects of the Reynolds number and the pressure load on the working performance are discussed in detail. Flow structures and vortex evolution are analyzed. With larger inlet and outlet areas, a higher mass flow rate is obtained and less driving power is achieved. A high pressure load results in a reduction in mass flow rate and an increase in driving power. Pumps with large opening angles are more susceptive to the Reynolds number and the pressure load. The adverse impact of the pressure load can be reduced by increasing the rotor speed. The vortex structure is affected by the geometric and operating parameters in the flow field. The flow dynamical behavior of the viscous pump exerts significant influence on its pumping ability. The present work gives rise to performance improvements for the micro viscous pump.

Keywords

• viscous pump
• laminar flow
• mass flow rate
• driving power
• flow patterns
• numerical simulation