Behavior of a flexible controllable micropump

This study presents a theoretical investigation of a flexible, electromagnetically controlled microchannel transport system (i.e., controllable micropump) utilizing a soft magnetorheological elastomer. A two-dimensional time-dependent model using a coupled fluid-solid-magnetic analysis is developed to conduct a parametric study on a system which consists of a flexible channel and valves. Effect of different geometric, magnetic and mechanical properties on the performance of the system is investigated through the net generated flow. It is demonstrated that the microchannel diameter, elastic foundation constant, elastic modulus of the microchannel and the valves, fluid viscosity, and the applied magnetic field have significant effect on the net generated flow.