電気流体現象を用いた流体制御の研究

抄録

We have developed a small actuator which does not require mechanical elements by using Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) actuation which is a phenomenon favorable for downsizing. One of the advantages of this actuator is that it can be driven with little electric power. In this study, we propose a novel concept of “virtual valve” which is unlike conventional mechanical valve and a fluid itself is controlled locally by EHD. The pressure gap produces “virtual valve” in fluidic channel to control fluid. The advantage of this valve is no disturbance of fluid upstream and downstream of the channel because of short response time. Also, generated pressure can be controlled by the applied electric field. This device contributes to a new compact mechanical design, especially in microdevice.