An experimental study of peristaltic pumping

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
An apparatus that approximates a two-dimensional, infinite train of peristaltic waves yields measurements of mean flow, of mean pressure rise, and of pressure-time pulses at fixed locations. In addition, visual observations of ‘reflux’ and ‘trapping’, using dyed fluid, are shown. The inertia-free range extends up to a Reynolds number of about 1. In this range, the theory of Shapiro, Jaffrin & Weinberg (1969) is confirmed with respect to mean pressure vs. mean flow, pressure vs. time, reflux, and trapping. The controversy regarding the criterion of material reflux is settled in favour of the Lagrangian time-mean velocity rather than the Eulerian time-mean velocity. Experiments at higher Reynolds numbers show that the second-order expansion theory of Jaffrin (1971) is valid up to a Reynolds number of about 10.

This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit: