Modeling of an IPMC Actuator-driven Zero-Net-Mass-Flux Pump for Flow Control

In this article, a systematic design method on an ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC)-driven zero-net-mass-flux (ZNMF) pump is introduced for the flow control on a micro air vehicle ’s (MAV) wing. Since IPMC can generate a large deformation under a low input voltage along with its ability to operate in air, and its easier manufacture in a small size, it is considered to be an ideal material for the actuating diaphragm. Several parametric studies, using numerical methods, were performed to find an optimal shape of the diaphragm in order to maximize the stroke volume. Through these parametric studies, electrode shapes and pressure effects on the stroke volume were investigated. It was also found that the resonance of the normal mode analysis of the optimal circle-shaped diaphragm would not affect the stroke volume because the computed fundamental frequency is much higher than the considered driving frequency range (40 Hz). Based on the optimal circle-shaped diaphragm, a prototype ZNMF pump, with a slot, is designed for the flow control on an MAV wing. By using the flight speed of the MAV considered in this work and the flow velocity through the pump ’s slot, the calculated non-dimensional frequency and the momentum coefficient ensure the feasibility of the designed ZNMF pump as a flow control device.