A novel valve-less synthetic-jet-based micro-pump

Based on the unique characteristics of the synthetic-jet flow-field and the attributes of the synthetic-jet actuator, a novel valve-less synthetic-jet-based micro-pump was presented; it is composed of a synthetic-jet actuator, a dividing-clapboard and a mesh filter. The working principle of the micro-pump are novelty and simpleness, it can resolve the main problems of fluid leakage and dust clogging on a micro-pump inlet/outlet nozzle, and it can also be employed as an active flow control device and a micro-thruster. And the basic design criterions of dividing-clapboard and mesh filter were obtained by analyzing the synthetic-jet flow-field. Then, the flow-fields of the micro-pump at the dividing-clapboard on and off design conditions were simulated and compared. The results show the work efficiency of the micro-pump on design condition is high and the designing criterions of the dividing-clapboard satisfy the requirements of maximum flux for the micro-pump, and compared with other reciprocating micro-pumps, the synthetic-jet-based micro-pump mass flow rate on inlet and outlet both are inimitable and invariable positive. The basic design criterions of dividing-clapboard have the additional benefits of designing and adjusting the position of dividing-clapboard to satisfy the claims of pump flux and fluctuation.