Flow investigation of a miniature pulsatile pump

• Main Author: Ang, Kian Yong
• Other Authors: Chan Weng Kong
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Fluid mechanics
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/60921
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The overarching goal of this project is to analyse the flow of a miniature pulsatile pump. To ensure reliability and clarity of the study, several experimental variables including types of floating tracer, strength of laser pointer and pump speed were studied. Several parts of the test rig were also modified to reduce leakage and improve quality of laser light sheet generated. Different permutations of shutter speed, aperture values and ISO sensitivity were examined and the best settings to attain quality images for detailed analysis was derived and listed in section 4.2.4. Canon EOS 60D with Canon 100mm macro lens was found to be the best camera set-up for clear images. The post-processing steps taken to improve image quality by Photoshop are also detailed in this report. Similarities and differences between the simulated, experimental results and the flow pattern captured at different position are also included to allow better understanding of the pump and it’s characteristics. Double vortices flow pattern were captured when the pump is moving downstream and ball valve is in contact with the rear end cap, this is due to the trapping of fluid on the upstream side before releasing all at once when the pump changes direction and the ball valve shifted to be in contact with the front end cap. Disordered flow pattern at the outlet of the pump were captured when the ball valve changes it’s position as the pressurised fluid on the upstream side of the pump flows into the non-pressurised region on the downstream side. The working characteristic of the miniature pulsatile pump is very similar to a positive displacement pump where the pump will trap fluid and release them at one go to create fluid movement.