Design, Simulation, and Prototyping of an Impulse Turbine for Biomedical Applications

An impulse bio turbine with circular inlet/outlet area which can be integrated into small devices, is presented. The system was designed using a scaled impulse macro turbine model, which was modified in size and shape to guarantee integration in implantable bio medical devices and physiological circulatory system. The simplicity in the design reduces cost and makes it very suitable for developing MEMS technology or for prototyping machine systems. Simulations and a scaled prototyping model were performed to examine the structure and the flow behavior inside of the turbine and to determine if all the conditions are given for the turbine to rotate. The Impulse turbine is designed with bio compatible materials and will be used as a component in a physiological system. Delivery of medicines, energy generation, sensing or the control of particle, the replacement of parts from systems that have limited lifetime and compatibility problems will be the final destination of the turbine.