Breaking the Cardiovascular Flow Barrier for Dielectric Elastomer Actuator‐Based Pumping: Design and Characterization
Amine Benouhiba, Armando Walter, Silje Ekroll Jahren, Francesco Clavica, Dominik Obrist, Yoan Civet, Yves Perriard
Abstract
Pumps play a crucial role in sustaining life by facilitating fluid circulation within the human body. This article presents the design and characterization of a high‐performance tubular dielectric elastomer pump. The study investigates three distinct pump designs tailored for operation under varying internal pressures of 15, 70, and 120 mmHg. Each pump design is meticulously tested, and the results reveal significant variations in their performance characteristics. The optimal outcomes are achieved with a flow rate of 6.5 L min −1 , demonstrating the pump's efficiency in maintaining fluid circulation. Additionally, a pressure head of 27.5 mmHg highlights the pump's capability to generate the necessary force for overcoming physiological resistance within the targeted pressure range. These findings underscore the potential of the proposed high‐performance dielectric elastomer actuators‐based pump for medical applications, offering a promising avenue for advancements in fluidic systems crucial for sustaining life and improving patient care.