Performance Simulations of Tesla Microfluidic Valves

A three-dimensional (3-D) parametric model of Tesla-type valves is proposed. A geometrical relationship is derived for optimization study, and based on the model, performance investigations in terms of diodicity and pressure-flow rate characteristics of the valve are numerically carried out with same hydraulic diameter and different aspect ratios (of the model cross-sectional dimensions) ranging from 0.5 to 4. The 3-D computational simulations show that, for the same hydraulic diameter, the unity aspect ratio gives higher diodicity at Reynolds number less than 500 and higher will be achieved with bigger aspect ratio when the Reynolds number is above 500. Investigations of pressure-flow rate characteristics of the Tesla valve show that Tesla valve with high aspect ratio gives more flow control ability.