A “Liebau pump” is a very simple device that can create one directional fluid flow, without the use of any valves, from the simple rhythmic compression of a flexible tube. Aside from its inherent fluid mechanical interest, the Liebau pumping mechanism may play a role in how blood flow is created by early stage embryonic hearts before they develop valves. In our work we have developed a prototype Liebau pump that is suitable for study using Refractive Index Matched Particle Image Velocimetry (RIM PIV). RIM PIV can be used to measure fluid flows patterns and velocities especially in regions near solid surfaces. The RIM PIV technique requires a close match between the refractive index of the material that makes up the pump and the fluid flowing through the pump. This in turn requires the use of a specialized polymer, polydimethylsiloxane, to make the pump. This talk will explain Liebau pumping, the RIM PIV method, and the challenges encountered in making a polydimethylsiloxane Liebau pump, as well as the methods developed to overcome those challenges. Details of the design of the prototype pump and its performance will be provided. Data from initial RIM-PIV measurements of the flows produced by the pump will be presented and discussed as well.
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