Effect of valve spacing on peristaltic pumping

Peristaltic fluid pumping due to a periodically propagating contraction wave in a vessel fitted with one-way elastic valves is investigated numerically. It is concluded that the valve spacing within the vessel relative to the contraction wavelength plays a critical role in providing efficient pumping. When the valve spacing does not match the wavelength, the valves open asynchronously and the volume of the vessel segments bounded by two consecutive valves changes periodically, thereby inducing volumetric fluid pumping. The volumetric pumping leads to higher pumping flowrate and efficiency against an adverse pressure gradient. The optimum pumping occurs when the ratio of valve spacing to contraction wavelength is about 2/3. This pumping regime is characterized by a longer period during which the valves are open. The results are useful for further understanding the pumping features of lymphatic system and provide insight into the design of biomimetic pumping devices.

Automated summary

This study numerically investigates peristaltic fluid pumping in a vessel with one-way elastic valves that are spaced relative to the contraction wavelength. It is found that matching the valve spacing to the wavelength is critical for efficient pumping. When the spacing does not match, asynchronous valve opening leads to periodic changes in the volume of vessel segments, resulting in volumetric fluid pumping. This volumetric pumping enhances the flowrate and efficiency against adverse pressure gradients, with the optimum pumping occurring at a valve spacing to contraction wavelength ratio of about 2/3. These findings provide insight into biomimetic pumping devices and contribute to understanding the pumping features of the lymphatic system.