Peristaltic pumping by huge amplitude piezoelectric traveling wave actuator

Abstract

This article deals with the design and drive of a thin plate wall, bent by piezoelectric fibers (MFC- Macro Fiber Composite). The purpose of this deformable membrane is to drive a moving fluid inside a thin channel according to a principle similar to peristaltic pumping. To promote this pumping effect, the deformation of the wall must be as a traveling wave-like with sufficiently high amplitude to transfer momentum to the fluid.