Impact of gravity on the performance of multi-inlets and multi-outlets valveless diaphragm micropumps

Abstract The influence of gravity plays a crucial role in micropumps’ fluid dynamics. Gravitational forces have an intricate effect on the fluid flow of the micropump. Understanding gravity’s influence on micropump fluid dynamics is critical for improving the fine design features and operational efficacy of the microscale pumping systems. This study conducted thorough a numerical analysis on the Single Inlet Double Outlet Diaphragm (SIDOD) micropump and the Double Inlet Single Outlet Diaphragm (DISOD) micropump to determine how gravity influences the performance. In this research, the optimal frequency is identified as 3 Hz. At this frequency, the SIDOD flow rate increases from 313 μl min −1 without gravity to 327.77 μl min −1 with gravity, marking an increase of 4.77%. Similarly, the DISOD flow rate rises from 177.78 μl min −1 without gravity to 184 μl min −1 with gravity, reflecting an approximate 3.56% increase. A comprehensive understanding of gravity impact is crucial for aerospace applications, where micropumps may operate under fluctuating gravitational conditions. The potential applications of micropumps in medical devices, particularly drug delivery systems, experience gravitational variations.