Smart magnetorheological elastomer peristaltic pump

Abstract

A smart magnetorheological elastomer peristaltic pump (MRE-PP) realizes controlled movements to convey Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids under various scheduling policies for electromagnets. Although the structure of the basic element consisted of a magnetorheological elastomer tube and an electromagnet is very succinct, the capability of fluid conveying is dramatically improved when the magnetorheological elastomer peristaltic pump composed of more elements in series is employed. Besides, scheduling policies and the length of the magnetorheological elastomer tube, as another two significant factors, also have remarkable effects on backflow, pumped fluid volume, and viscosity of blood. Various scheduling policies are designed to realize fluid conveying with relatively high pumped volume for non-Newtonian fluid. Meanwhile, low destructiveness is demonstrated in the designed magnetorheological elastomer peristaltic pumps, allowing a potential application of conveying stress sensitive fluids.