Numerical Flow Simulation in a Reciprocating Valveless Micropump With Parallel Geometry Nozzle-Diffuser

This work presents a numerical study of a nozzle/diffuser micropump under several frequencies of operation. The investigation focuses on the effects caused by two principal changes in the geometry: 1) a small duct portion included before the nozzle/diffuser element, with the purpose of inducing a fully developed flow, and 2) the size of the fluctuating chamber. As expected, the net flow rate of a nozzle/diffuser micropump increases with pumping frequency and also with the size of the fluctuating chamber. However, the duct before the nozzle/diffuser element causes more losses and a decrement in the net flow, though inducing a better flowing of the fluid into the nozzle.