Sensors & Actuators: A.

Physical 360 (2023) 114518

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Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical

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A critical review of micro-scale pumping based on insect-inspired

membrane kinematics
Dharmendra Tripathi a, *, 1, D.S. Bhandari a, 1, O. Anwar Bég b
a
Department of Mathematics, National Institute of Technology Uttarakhand, Srinagar 246174, India
b
Multi-Physical Engineering Sciences Group, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, SEE Building, Salford University, Manchester M54WT, UK

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: The membrane-based pumping mechanism is being increasingly deployed to meet the needs of medical, bio-
Natural pumping mechanism engineering, microfabrication technology, microscale transport phenomena and other engineering applications
Membrane kinematics due to its integrated functionalities. This review paper summarises the 3rd pumping paradigm of the discrete
Micro-scale pumps
scheme peristaltic micro pump (PMP) and its applications based on the rhythmic membrane contraction. The
Electrokinetic phenomena
membrane kinematics is an elegant natural pumping phenomenon which is found in the insect’s respiratory
system. Using this physical transport mechanism, the design of an advanced micro-flow system is possible. An
overview of the pumping process, evaluation of membrane pumping, and future scope in modelling and design
opportunities relevant to the microscale transport phenomena have been discussed. This pumping mechanism
has been classified in terms of actuation into single-phase membrane, two-phase membrane and aperiodic
membrane systems. A comparative assessment of mathematical modelling results for time average flow rate, flow
field and pressure distribution are presented based on the findings of existing models in the literature to sum­
marise the key control parameters and relative efficiency of different systems. The shape of the membrane profile
is an important parameter for the optimised design of biomimetic micropumps. This review provides a
comprehensive insight into state-of-the-art modelling exploiting the insect physiological membrane pumping
mechanism, which is the key first stage in the effective fabrication of microfluidic devices for a wide range of
applications.

1. Introduction in the urinary system [6] and many other micro/macro level flow in the
physiological situations. Over time, researchers have attempted to
Biomimetics is an interdisciplinary field of biomechanics that refers fabricate biomimetic pump devices that mimic the characteristics of
to designs that replicate, imitate and learn from life to upgrade the natural physiological systems to address the human problem and up­
performance of man-made systems. Biomimetic devices aim to develop grade the technology applicable for the health care. The applications of
high-efficiency performance to improve the quality of life and the reli­ biomimetic pumping devices are not limited to medical science; they
ability of engineered systems [1]. Pumping phenomena is one of the also feature in aerospace, mechanical robotics, environmental and waste
critical features of biomimetic systems where diffusion of fluids is hazard transport areas due to their integrated functionalities. Fig. 1
induced by the natural pumping mechanism (displacement approaches) highlights some pumping models for circulating small amount of fluids
that is much more robust for health-care equipment and can efficiently in a microscale regime based on peristaltic pumping mechanisms, piston
transport a variety of complex and physiological fluids. Numerous kinds based pumping, roller based pumping, and membrane based pumping
of research have been conducted utilising natural pumping mechanisms mechanism. These micropumps are used in various applications ac­
to examine relevant problems in medical science, which include fluid cording to their unique functionality. The following specific applications
flows through blood vessels (hemodynamics) [2], breathing process in highlight why biomimetic pumping devices are important in
the respiratory system [3], movement of lymph in the lymphatic system
[4], movement of chyme in the gastro-intestinal system [5], urine flow

* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: dtripathi@[Link] (D. Tripathi).
1
Contributed equally

[Link]
Received 6 December 2022; Received in revised form 22 May 2023; Accepted 27 June 2023
Available online 1 July 2023
0924-4247/© 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
D. Tripathi et al. Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 360 (2023) 114518

Fig. 1. Schematic diagram represents the different types of the peristaltic pumping mechanism. (a) peristaltic wave propagation for drug transport (b) piston is used
to pump the fluid or heat exchanger (c) motor mechanism is utilized for sustaining high flow rates (d) aperiodic membrane is important for fluid mixing at the
microscale or fluid exchange phenomena.

bioengineering and also a number of other fields: efficiently. Typically, the peristaltic pumping mechanism controls the
• Chemical reaction • Pressurising water/fluid wave/frequency and helps to generate low pressure for the manipula­
• Mixing of drugs • Heart pumping tion and transport of internal flow at the microscale. Numerous pumping
• Heat exchangers • Dispensing precise dosages of medications mechanisms have been established based on the peristalsis principle, as
• Drug delivery • Aerospace and naval fuel pumps
sketched in Fig. 2. In this regard, Forouzandeh et al. [11] classified the
fluid actuation induced by the peristaltic micropumps (PMPs) as a
These biomimetic micropumps are valveless designs which offer continuous-scheme PMPs and discrete-scheme PMPs. In the case of
several distinct advantages over conventional miniature pumping de­ continuous-scheme PMPs, the fluids propagate along the flow direction/
vices. They are precisely fabricated using micro-mechanical techniques continuous wave propagation for the transport of internal flow [12,13].
which have the following notable benefits/advantages: This mechanism is ideal for scenarios wherein no internal moving parts
(such as a valve or piston) are desired in the pumping process for human
1. Low maintenance cost compared to conventional micropumps health care equipment, including blood flow regulation and the
(which feature internal moving parts such as valves and pistons) heart-lung machine. The peristaltic (propagative) pumping mechanism
produces enhanced durability, less repair downtime and a more originated in medical physiology. However, many mathematicians and
efficient net flow rate. engineers have been working on this natural mechanism to precisely
2. These pumping devices can effectively control the net flow rate in the comprehend the human physiological systems via mathematical models
complex flow regimes. [14–17] and thereafter using this acquired understanding to implement
3. In the context of MEMS technology, peristalsis principles are reliable these mechanisms in emerging technologies such as smart pumps and
mechanisms to more precisely control and manipulate microflow for artificial devices which could be internally/externally fitted/­
delicate operations, and able to develop the emerging technology in transplanted in the human body to optimise the control of physiological
health care. transport phenomena. Such natural pumping mechanisms are not
4. More precise fabrication creates more reliable designs that improve restricted to the medical field. Usually, valveless pumping processes
processing capabilities and efficiency. have been frequently utilised in industrial and civil engineering appli­
5. Laminar or smooth flow of fluids in microchannels are easily sus­ cations for the transportation of oils and water, mixing of chemicals,
tained, enabling significantly greater flow control for precision ap­ filtration of the water, waste transfer, geohydrological remediation etc.
plications in medicine, biochemical, nuclear, aerospace and other
sectors. 1.2. Discrete-scheme PMPs

The applications of these peristaltic pumping mechanisms are In discrete-scheme PMPs, the fluid is actuated perpendicular to the
accelerating the adoption of new avenues in modern microfluidic de­ flow direction. The discrete-scheme pumping mechanism can achieve
vices and accommodating increasingly complex demands from medical greater reliability via microscale fabrication processes, which offers an
science and industrial technology. The aim of the current study is to excellent alternative to continuous-scheme pumping for physiological
survey the many uses of membrane (discrete-scheme peristaltic) pumps that transport phenomena at a small scale and diagnosis of samples. Smits
employ nature-inspired pumping mechanisms and to summarise medical and et al. [18] proposed the first piezoelectric micropump by employing
industrial applications from a bioengineering point of view. In addition, the three discrete-diaphragm valves that are efficient to generate the flow
fundamental aspects of mathematical models used to simulate the rate of 3μL/min with a maximum pressure of 5.9kPa; however, it was not
membrane pumping model with associated terminology are described. able to generate backpressure. In this regard, Berg et al. [19] introduced
The main objective is to draw attention to the characteristics of a two-stage discrete PMP which is able to achieve back pressure up to 4
membrane-based discrete scheme peristaltic micropumps, which pro­ kPa. These piezoelectric micropump designs generate more heat caused
vide a more effective fluid transport pumping mechanism in microscale by dielectric loss and mechanical damping. Therefore, their durability is
regimes than alternative designs. a major issue for successful implementation. In 2004, Feng and Kim [20]
employed the first reciprocating micropump, which is capable of pro­
pelling liquid at flow rates up to 700 μl/min. Furthermore, some other
1.1. Historical overview of pumping phenomena micropumps have been fabricated with new techniques that can more
efficiently provide and sustain a maximum flow rate. Table 1 summa­
The design of micropumps with high precision is vital for success­ rises the pumping performance of various discrete-scheme PMPs based
fully transporting small amounts of internal fluids for specific purposes, on the data available in the literature for the last decade [21–29]. All of
such as wavy-wall designs in an artificial heart pumping, membranes for these designs function based on the dynamic and static principles of
nebulisers, magnetohydrodynamic peristaltic flow propulsion for discrete-scheme PMPs.
chemicals and wastes etc. [7–10]. Among the many natural mechanisms
available for internal transport, the peristalsis mechanism has proved
very popular in modern micropumps, which operate with one or more
pumping chambers to drive the working fluid in the desired direction

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D. Tripathi et al. Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 360 (2023) 114518

Fig. 2. Classification of the various types of mechanical micropump and their applications.

Table 1
The performance capacity of PMPs based on different mechanisms.
mechanisms Pumping performance Ref. No.

Pmax Freq. Qmax

(Kpa) (Hz) (μl/min)

Piezoelectric PMP — 2 21.6

[21]
(Thermo-pneumatic valveless
PDMS)
Piezoelectric PMP — 100 17.6 [22]
(4-phase peristaltic motion)
Thermo-pneumatic PMP 0.49 1.2 20.01 [23]
Rotating magnetic PMP 1.67 1630 342.4 [24]
(A DC electric minimotor)
Fig. 3. A schematic representation of the rhythmic tracheal compression to
Pneumatic 0.15 20 21.6 [25]
perform fluid (gas) exchange phenomena with the help of mem­
(3D-printed Quake-style valve
design) brane kinematics.
Piezoelectric 2.0 100 6.12 [26]
Pneumatic PMP 275.79 50 28.0 [27] cuticle to achieve the required oxygen by diffusion [30]. The rhythmic
(Double-side mode PDMS
tracheal compression (RTC) with multiple membranes generates the
Membrane)
Pneumatic PMP 137.8 37 8.9 [28] pressure gradient inside the trachea (respiratory tube) and diffuses
(Membrane-based serpentine sufficient oxygen (O2 ) to the tracheole. The wave propagation charac­
shaped) teristics of the membrane contraction are responsible for producing or
Pneumatic PMP 5 2 18.3 [29]
manipulating unidirectional and tidal airflows. Furthermore, the
(Caterpillar locomotion-inspired
valveless micropump)
tracheole is accountable for delivering sufficient oxygen to each tissue or
cell of the organ, while carbon dioxide (CO2 ) exits via the reverse path.
In this regard, Holler et al. [31] scrutinised the progression of membrane
1.3. Mechanism of membrane pumping contraction for oxygen-transporting proteins in the circulatory system of
insects.
Typically, membrane kinematics is the 3rd pumping paradigm/ Hanna and Popadic [32] described experimental work on the evo­
phenomena of the discrete-scheme PMPs found in insects’ respiratory lution of the tracheal system and investigated a new genetic mechanism
system and robustly perform the fluid (gas) exchange phenomena at the in insects. Westneat et al. [33] studied cockroach (insect) respiratory
micro to nanoscale. In insects, there are three major biological compo­ phenomena by capturing a synchrotron X-ray image of the complex
nents that assist in regulating the respiratory gas exchange process: rhythmic tracheal network. Their study highlighted that insects have a
spiracle, trachea and tracheole, as sketched in Fig. 3. Spiracles are tiny separate respiratory system to perform gas exchange phenomena, where
pores found in the abdomen of the insects which control the air that multiple contractions constitute the network to pump fluid (gas) suffi­
passes through valves. It is also known as the inlet (outlet) position of the ciently toward the respiratory tissues. These multiple membranes
trachea (respiratory tube), which leads to the internal respiratory sys­ generate a pressure gradient in 50μm wide and 200 μm long tracheal
tem. The trachea is waterproof; however, water permeates across the tubes, where laminar flow is induced in the microscopic physiological

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D. Tripathi et al. Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 360 (2023) 114518

numerically simulated more precisely the incompressible viscous fluids

flow in a collapsible channel using the Navier-Stokes equations. They
derived the following mathematical expressions for the moving flow
regimes, which helps to generate the pressure gradient and drive the
fluids in the complex physiological vessels, as:
f (x, t) = g(x)h(t), (1)

where h(t) = 12(1 − cos2πt) and

⎧ 0for x1 < x < x2
1
⎪
⎪
⎪ ϵ{1 + tanhβ(x − xa ) } for x2 < x < x3
⎪2
⎪
⎪
⎨
Fig. 4. The synchrotron X-ray image of the cricket. Rhythmic tracheal g(x) = ϵ for x3 < x < x4 .
compression (RTC) occurs in different regions of the cockroach’s body. The ⎪
⎪ 1
⎪
⎪ ϵ{1 + tanhβx} for x4 < x < x5
right image is the schematic diagram of the RTC with multiple membrane ⎪
⎪
⎩ 2
contractions simultaneously.
0for x5 < x < x6.
Here g(x) gives the shape to the indentation, and h(t) is used for the
wall movement. They observed that a vortex wave generates for both
system. Further, they discussed the structure and physiology of tiny
viscous and inviscid fluids; however, flow structures were more complex
organisms (i.e., related to respiratory phenomena) to resolve a range of
and featured ’double eddies’ in the viscous fluid medium. Subsequently,
bio-mechanical questions in comparative biology [34]. RTC (rhythmic
many further experimental and theoretical studies have been commu­
tracheal compression) is a prominent functionality of internal dynamics
nicated, which visualised the hydrodynamic characteristics in deform­
that regulates the pressure gradient between the tube interior and the
able channels for the cases of both partial collapses of an elastic tube and
external environment. Socha et al. [35] discussed the convective gas
membrane collapse (moving indentation). From the literature, it is
exchange in a carabid insect using synchrotron X-ray imaging. Their
found that large pressure downstream with shorter wavelengths and
study identified that "intra-tracheal and trans-spiracular convection of
higher frequencies may cause instability of the flow in a collapsible tube
air driven by active tracheal compression may be a major component of
[45,46]. However, both partial and membrane collapse mechanisms
ventilation for many insects". Fig. 4 illustrates the complex network of
successfully predict the occurrence of self-excited oscillations under suf­
the RTC with multiple membrane contractions that aid in compre­
ficiently low transmural pressure (the difference between internal and
hending how the membrane actuation mechanism transports the oxygen
external pressures). Both these mechanisms constitute a complex
to the organ/respiratory tissues. An important question developed
time-dependent fluid-structure interaction (FSI) behaviour. Rast [47]
among researchers was to discover how the flow rate is controlled in the
additionally observed that the elastic characteristics of the tube are
insect respiratory system and other physiological systems where the
reduced due to the transmural pressure, and cross-sectional area at the
microscale transport phenomena occur. Chatterjee et al. [36] developed
time of maximum contraction. Lui and Pedley [48] found that the wave
a biomimetic frequency-based flow-switching model to address such
patterns of the streamlines change as the wall oscillation amplitude in­
type of problems. They considered three channel pairs (A, B, and C) at
creases. They addressed that the unsteady flow approaches the steady
different degrees of collapse in the device/system and varied the fre­
flow case only if the tension in the membrane is large enough for a moderate
quency at fixed actuation pressure ofΔp = 10.0 ± 1.0psi as shown in
Reynolds number value. Udaykumar et al. [49] employed a mixed
Fig. 5. It is observed that the flow direction is regulated by frequency.
Eulerian-Lagrangian framework to compute the flows with complex
Further literature provides data on measuring the membrane contrac­
immersed and moving boundaries. This study shows that the flow be­
tion mechanism in different scenarios that lead to the reduction and
comes wavy in the centre of the channel, and eddies are formed between
expansion of the respiratory tube or air sacs, which induce net flow rate
the crests/peaks and walls of the waves. In these studies, using steady
and force air [37–40].
regulating parameters of collapsed and non-collapsed tubes, a remark­
able range of unstable behaviour has been shown, including several
2. Evolution in the membrane pumping mechanism
oscillatory regimes and chaotic activity, which have given the base for
modelling the membrane pumping mechanisms for microscale transport
Pioneering work on discrete-scheme PMPs started in the mid of
phenamena.
1970s when Shapiro [41] constructed a theoretical hydrodynamic
The above experimental and numerical simulations of the fluids flow
model of one-dimensional steady flow in a collapsible tube which was
through the collapsible tube also provide a rich new pathway for
termed the tube law (i.e. the relationship between cross-sectional area
exploiting the membrane pumping mechanism for further improving the
and transmural pressure difference). Motivated by Shapiro’s approach,
performance of medical equipments and other engineering devices. For
Bertram and Pedley [42] proposed the discrete-scheme pumping
each of the investigations mentioned so far, upstream boundary condi­
mechanism by aiding the partial collapse of an elastic tube between two
tions have been considered to regulate the volume flux. Jensen and Heil
rigid segments. Due to the stiff collapsible tube, no movement was
[50] considered that what happens when one controls the pressure drop
attained in the tube during the experiment. The concept of the discrete
in the system, and found that it could be the cause of instability in a
scheme PMPs was reported in the mid-1970 s, which further stimulated
system. Zhao and Forhad [51] used the finite volume scheme with an
interest in the 1980 s when Pedley and Stephanoff [43] visualised the
implicit dual time stepping method to optimise simulations for
flow of time-dependent indentation at the upper wall. Here, a piston was
improving the visualisation and accuracy of the unsteady channel flow
used to push the membrane down, and the piston was retracted to pull
with a moving indentation. This hybrid mesh method is capable of ac­
the membrane up into the initial stage. They noticed that the flow is
commodating large deformation without excessive distortion of the dense
quasi-steady for Strouhal number, St < 0.005, while eddies (propa­
mesh near the wall. Chakraborty et al. [52] predicted the flow patterns
gating train of waves) appear for St > 0.005 in the range of Reynolds
of three types of viscoelastic fluid (such as Oldroyd-B, FENE-P, and
number (360 < Re < 1260). However, researchers were unable to
Owens) to understand the rheological blood flow behaviour which is
further correlate details concerning the behaviour of real fluids based on
transported by a collapsible channel. They reported that the effective
Euler-Lagrange and Navier-Stokes equations. The end of the 1980 s
viscosity of the viscoelastic fluid, rather than the maximum shear rate, is the
marked the beginning of a new era when Ralph and Pedley [44]
main factor affecting the pressure in the channel.

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D. Tripathi et al. Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 360 (2023) 114518

Fig. 5. Schematic of frequency-based flow generated in the multichannel system (for more details Ref. [36]).

Furthermore, relatively sparse literature exists on collapsible tube membrane contraction (A), k0 is optimised for the membrane profile, f =
[ ]
simulation for collapsible channels [53,54]. These studies generally u0 /L is the wave frequency of the membrane and a∗ ∈ − 2L, L2 represents
reported that a multi-membrane longitudinal channel could provide a the length of the membrane.
powerful mechanism to dominate the shear stress acting on the channel The membrane pumping mechanism has the ability to pump the fluid in
walls. Meanwhile, most of the earlier studies focused on a single both the downstream (backward) and upstream (forward) directions
collapsible tube, which causes longitudinal strain to be so effective; which is the beauty of this mechanism and could be more suitable for the
however, that remains a problem. By concentrating on this constraint, filtration of the chemicals/samples and dialysis of impure physiological
Aboelkassem and Staples [55] considered the two-membrane (collaps­ fluids. Despite its excellent efficiencies, several challenges exist in
ible tube) mechanism at the channel wall to pump fluids with time lags micropump design to deliver consistently high flow rates as well as high-
and compute the flow characteristics via a Stokeslets-meshfree simula­ pressure drops. To induce consistently high flow rates in microfluidics
tion [56]. Aboelkassem and Staples [57] deployed a ghost valve model devices without loss of pressure, deploying an external electric field (the
for low Reynolds number and correlated it with the rhythmic tracheal concept of electrokinetic phenomena) has become increasingly popular
compression found in the insect respiratory system. Building on these in micromechanical systems. Many analysts have used electrokinetic
studies, more recently, a 3-dimensional computational model of the actuation for liquid flowing through BioMEMS and Lab-on-a-Chip
multi-collapsible tube has been considered to comprehend better the microdevices, which significantly emerged the technologies in the
flow phenomena in the microscale regime [58]. Chatterjee and Staples field of biotechnology & bio-separation hydrodynamics and its appli­
[59] implemented this approach and hydrodynamic slip effects at the cations. Tripathi et al. [62] showed in a rigorous mathematical study
microchannel wall. They observed that shear-driven flow reduces the that the electroosmotic flow (EOF) phenomena provide effective
flow rate. manipulation techniques at the microscale. Bhandari et al. [63] adopted
Due to the effective pumping and reliability of the membrane an alternative magnetohydrodynamic flow control model in which
contraction mechanism in the microscopic regime, Aboelkassem [60] Lorentz force is generated via a transverse magnetic field to control
proposed a unique rhythmic membrane pumping model where the size electrically conducting fluid media velocity without losing pressure
of the membrane parameter controls the net flow rate without any drop. Further, Bhandari et al. [64,65] observed the heat transfer rate
external mechanism. The rhythmic membrane returns to its initial po­ inside the micropump with natural convection, which can be used to
sition after completing the contraction cycle, and the actuation repeats enhance the axial velocity flow. They further reported that entropy is
the process without using the piston or any external forces that reflect mainly generated by heat diffusion, which can be controlled successfully
the natural mechanism in the physiological systems and could be by the relative temperature inside the system and the shape of the
implemented in design of the various smart micropumps and health care membrane. A summary of the key findings of the above studies is
devices. This analysis was extended for Stokes’ non-Newtonian couple documented in Table 2.
stress model for understanding the rheological behaviour with mem­
brane pumping mechanism [61]. The mechanism of the propagation for 3. Microscale transport fundamentals for membrane-based
the aperiodic membrane at the upper wall is mathematically expressed pumping
as [61]:
⎧
λ
[
L
) (
L 3.1. Governing equations
⎪
⎪ ; if x ∈ − , − a ∪ a, ]
⎪
⎨ 2 2 2
h(x, t) = (( ) )3 The hydrodynamics of incompressible fluids in membrane-actuated
⎪
⎪λ x 2M
micropumps can be analysed using the continuity (Eq. 3) and mo­
⎪
⎩ +A − 1 (1 − k0 x cos(πft) )sin2 (πft) if x ∈ [ − a, a]
2 a mentum (Eq. 4) equations. Additionally, to simulate thermal (heat
(2) transfer) effects, the energy Eq. (5) is required. These equations collec­
tively provide a solid platform for describing the velocity, pressure and
Here h(x, t) is a function of spatial (x) and temporal (t), and represent
temperature of moving fluids driven by the pumping mechanisms and
the geometrical characteristics of a microchannel of length (L) and width
the mathematical expression for same are given as.
(λ). M is considered for the membrane shape profile with amplitude of

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D. Tripathi et al. Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 360 (2023) 114518

Table 2
The main findings from the experimental and numerical work related to membrane pumping.
S. Pumping mechanism Exp. Theo. Key findings Ref. No.
No. (Analytical/
Numerical)

1. Series of rhythmic tracheal Y N Frequency controls the volumetric flow rate. Chatterjee et al. [36]
compression
2. Moving indentation in one Y FDM The downstream flow rates lead to large oscillator components affecting the Ralph and Pedley [44]
wall crest/trough position.
3. Elastic membrane Y FEM The amplitude of the wall oscillation changes the wave patterns of flow. The Luo and Pedley [48]
steady solution becomes unstable for Re = 300.
4. Deformable tube N FVS The larger amplitude of travelling waves and higher frequency are performed Zhao and Forhad [51]
with increased inertia and less membrane tension.
5. Moving wall N Ana. An optimal phase difference θ = 70 between two collapsible walls generates the Aboelkassem and
◦

contractions maximum net flow. Staples [55]

6. Propagative membrane N Ana. Proposed a unique pumping flow model in a microchannel with rhythmic Aboelkassem [60]
motion membrane contraction.
7. Propagative membrane N Ana. Helmholtz-Smoluchowski velocity has the efficiency to alter the direction of Tripathi et al. [62]
motion pressure distribution.
8. Propagative membrane N Ana. The magnetic field bifurcated the flow field in both directions Bhandari et al. [63]
motion
9. Collapsible channel N Mixed FEM The deviation in the shear stress on the membrane surface due less viscosity Chakraborty and
Prakash [68]
10. Moving indentation N FVM The high wall frequency > 1Hz led to the vortex growing in the channel and the Mansour et al. [66]
flow becoming very complex.
11. Membrane N FES The longitude tension is reduced at a high Reynolds number, and wall vorticity is Luo and Pedley [67]
increased.

Continuity equation: tube. Here ρ is the fluid density, V = (u, v, 0) is the fluid’s velocity vector
field, p is the pressure, μ is the fluid kinematic viscosity, Cp is the specific
∇⋅V = 0 (3)
heat capacity, K is the heat conductivity, and Ta is the temperature.
Momentum equation:
∂V 3.2. Boundary conditions
ρ + ρ(V⋅∇)V = − Δρ + μΔ 2 V + Fx
⏟⏞⏞⏟
∂t
⏟̅⏞⏞̅⏟ ⏟̅̅̅̅̅⏞⏞̅̅̅̅̅⏟ ⏟̅⏞⏞̅⏟ ⏟̅̅⏞⏞̅̅⏟
Boundary conditions have a key role in membrane-actuated pumping
momentum convection pressure force momentum diffusion external force
the local change with time
flow models to define the constraints of the biophysical problems, and
(4) they are essential for solving well-posed mathematical models involving
Energy equation: the above generalized equations for mass, momentum and energy to get
the exact/approximate/numerical solutions of the problems. The con­

∂Ta ∂Ta
ρcp + ρcp V = ρΔV + KΔ2 Ta + Φ
⏟⏞⏞⏟
∂̅t⏟ ∂xi ⏟̅⏞⏞̅⏟ ⏟̅̅̅⏞⏞̅̅̅⏟
⏟̅̅̅⏞⏞̅̅ ⏟̅̅̅̅̅̅⏞⏞̅̅̅̅̅̅⏟ pressure work heat flux(diffusion) heat source link parameter (5)
local energy change with time energy convection

Here, Fx is an external body force. For example, in the case of mag­ straints of physical problems may be in various nature like flow char­
netohydrodynamic actuation, it manifests as a magnetic force ( J ×
→ acteristics, thermal characteristics, fluid properties, flow regimes, etc.,
→ → → which can be classified by the Dirichlet, Neumann and mixed types of
B )where J is the electric current density, and B is the magnetic field.
the boundary conditions based on various standard approximations and
In the case of electrokinetic phenamena, the electroosmosis flow is very
assumptions like low Reynolds number (creeping flow), slip condition,
popular in the microfluidic system for consistently controlling the flow
no-slip conditions, regularity condition, symmetric conditions, heat/
rates and maintan the required flow rate for the fluid flow in microscale.
cold plates, Debye Hückel linearization, etc. By utilizing the boundary
The Poisson-Boltzmann equation has been employed to observe the in­
conditions, various methodologies like perturbation method for series
fluence of electric potential distribution, which can be expressed as:
solutions, the finite difference method, the finite element method, the
∇.Ψ = − ρe Ex , (6) finite volume method, the mesh-free method, the Lattice Boltzmann
( ) method and commercial CFD tools (e.g. ANSYS FLUENT, ADINA,
where, ρe = 2n0 ez0 sinh KezB0TΨa is the net charge density in a unit volume COMSOL, OPENFOAM, FREEFEM++ etc.) can be effectively deployed
to obtain dependable numerical solutions and further analysis can be
of the fluid. Here, it assumes that the parallel walls are charged and bear
used to visualize the results in the form of graphs.
a uniform zeta potential of Ψ0 at the wall, which is smaller than thermal
Solid surface boundary conditions extensively cover the domain of
potential, i.e. |z0 eΨ|〈|kB Ta |→Ψ≪1.
( ) fluid mechanics. The axial velocity can vary along the channel or tube
Other forces may be the Darcy resistance μκV (where κ is the
considered in the micropump geometry, while tangential velocity is equal
permeability of the porous medium) in the case porous media are present, to that of the solid boundary, and the axial velocity is zero for a solid
and when natural convection heat transfer is present, the thermal buoy­ boundary at rest or no-slip boundary condition i.e. ufluid at interface =
ancy force ( ρgβ(Ta − T0 )) may be considered for the vertical channel/ solid
usolid = 0m/s (no slip) and vsolid = rate of change of time as referred in [81].

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D. Tripathi et al. Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 360 (2023) 114518

The "no slip" term is used for the case of no momentum of fluids at the formulate the problems and simulate the results for set of governing
solid surface (boundary of the channel). On the other hand, the velocity equations directly through the inbuilt coding in Softwares. After plotting
at the centre of the channel is unknown; however, it is a maximum at the graphs and made the tables, authors are very confident to analyse the
that point due to the overall symmetry of the tubei.e., ∂∂uy|y=0 (rate of results and give the proper recommendations for the various fields
change of axial velocity along a direction normal to the surface) and the wherever results are applicable and problem for the specific purpose
minimal resistance from viscous effects. formulated. Some of the following standard results reported by the
various authors on membrane-based pumping flow models are discussed
and compared for the keen findings:
3.3. Structure of membrane-based pumping
4.1. Pressure gradient
The transportation of microscale internal flow via the single mem­
brane, phase-lag membrane, and aperiodic membrane pumping
The rhythmic membrane propagation generates the pressure
methods has received considerable interest in recent years due to its
gradient across the length of the microchannel, which helps to drive the
potential applicability in numerous engineering and physiological sys­
fluids from the inlet to the outlet position. A relationship between the
tems. Fig. 6 demonstrates three types of pumping models with their
wall deformation and the axial pressure derived in existing models, is
pumping operation/phenomena. In these pumping phenomena, the
expressed as:
membrane develops the pressure that acts perpendicular to the fluid in
⎛
order to propel the fluid in the forward direction efficiently. This ∫1 (
− 3 ∫ x ∂h2 (s,t)
)
perpendicular actuation mechanism of the membrane pumping makes it ∂p 1 ⎜ 12 0 (h2 (x, t) − h1 )
⎜− 0 ∂t ds dx
= ∫1 + 12
a discrete scheme PMP. Chakraborty and Prakash [68], Yasser and ∂x (h2 (x, t) − h1 )3 ⎝ (h2 (x, t) − h1 )− 3 dx
0
Staples [55], and Bhandari et al. [61,69] explored the rheological
⎞
behaviour of various types of fluids induced by membrane pumping and
∫
discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the membrane pumping x
∂h2 (s, t) ⎟
× ds ⎟
⎠. (6)
mechanism with various application point of view. 0 ∂t

4. Comparative results and discussion

Previous studies reported that membrane pumping efficiently per­
forms backwards and forward flow without external force. Typically, the
This section is very important in the research works in the field of
aperiodic membrane performs as a two-phase pumping system in which
fluid dynamics particularly in the microscale fluids flow driven by the
compression and expansion occur over an entire period of the cycle, as
natural pumping mechanisms. There are various ways adopted by the
demonstrated in Fig. 7(a and b). The pressure gradient is increased
authors publishing their work theoretically. (i)The governing equations
during the compression phase, as shown in the upper panel of Fig. 7a
formulated for the physical problem can be solved by analytical ap­
while the pressure gradient is decreased for the expansion phase as
proaches then plotted the graphs/prepared the tabular solutions by the
depicted in the lower panel of Fig. 7b. The upstream and downstream
various user friendly softwares like Mathematica, Matlab, and through
transmural pressures generated by the kinematic membrane regulate the
the basic computer languages like C, C+ +, Java, etc. (ii) Other ap­
net flow rate.
proaches used by the authors are numerical methods/semi analytical
methods/perturbation method to find out the approximate solutions/
tabular solutions then plotted through the software/excel. (iii) Third
way of dealing the theoretical studies/mathematical models, is to

Fig. 6. Categorisation of different membrane pumping actuators with schematic views of structures and their operations. The red line represents the elastic
membrane, while the black line is the rigid wall. Further, the blue line shows the direction of fluid flow due to membrane pumping.

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D. Tripathi et al. Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 360 (2023) 114518

Fig. 7. The variations in axial pressure gradient during (a) compression phase and (b) expansion phase.

4.2. Averaged flow rate

The small amount of fluid flow through a cross-section of the

membrane contraction region per unit of time is referred to as the
volumetric flow rate Q(x, t). The volumetric flow rate induced by the

conduit wall motion is computed by integrating axial velocity (i.e., Q =

∫h2
u(x, y, t)dy ) across the channel width. To estimate the net flow rate
h1
Q(x, t) over an entire period, the time-averaged volumetric flow rate is
evaluated as:
∫T Fig. 8. The maximum time averaged flow rate for different physiological
1 fluid models.
QT (x) = Q(x, t)dt, (7)
T
0
according to their significance for transporting the separated cells,
where T is the total time. The maximum time averaged flow rate of moving reagents to the separation/mixing chamber, DNA analysis, drag
different non-Newtonian (viscoplastic, viscoelastic, couple stress) and transport during operation etc.
the Newtonian biofluid propelled by aperiodic membrane contraction is
depicted in Fig. 8. It is noticed that the flow rate of viscoplastic fluid is
4.3. Velocity profile and velocity field
substantially lower magnitude as compared to other fluids. The flow rate
of the couple stress fluid and the viscoelastic fluid is approximately the
Velocity profile is plotted to see the variation of fluid velocity along
same in the membrane pumping flow model but it is not standard results
the transverse displacement of the channel/tube. In laminar flow, the
since the magnitudes, for the viscoplastic parameter and couple stress
velocity field can be predicted with absolute accuracy. The axial velocity
parameter, are taken randomly and variation for time average flow rate
profile is a schematic diagram of the velocity of fluid flow as a function
comes similar however it can be only compared for same parameter.
of pressure gradient and other parameters. Typically, for a EMHD flow of
From these results, it is further observed that this pumping phenomenon
Newtonian fluid through a microchannel, the axial velocity can be
can effectively transport physiological fluids with various rheological
derived as [70]:
properties.
( )( ) ( )
Further studies on this configuration were carried out with Micro 1 ∂p cosh[Ha y] κ2 cosh[κy] cosh[Ha y]
Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS), which are widely considered in u = 2 H2a ET − 1− + 2 −
Ha ∂x cosh[Ha h] Ha − κ2 cosh[κh] cosh[Ha h]
medical and bio-engineering applications due to their integrated func­ (8)
tionalities. Electrokinetic actuation is one of the key characteristics of
these systems where the electric field enhances the capability of The variations in the axial velocity profile under the effects of the
micropump, which matches the characteristic dimension of required Hartmann number, electric field parameter and electrical double layer
micro and nano ranges. Tripathi et al. [62], Bhandari et al. [63,70], and (EDL) are displayed in Fig. 9. The parabolic shape of the axial velocity of
Narla et al. [71] utilised these MEMS actuation approaches in the Newtonian fluid is reduced due to the Hartmann number (Ha ), which
membrane based pumping flow models and discussed the applications clearly highlights the Lorentz force effect that resists the motion of fluids
in the channel. On the other hand, the applied electric field (ET )

8
D. Tripathi et al. Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 360 (2023) 114518

Fig. 9. The axial velocity profile for different external forces at fixed position x = 0.1 and time t = T/4.

develops the axial driving force responsible for enhancing the fluid ve­ 4.4. Wall shear stress in membrane-based pumping
locity. Further investigations by Tripathi et al. [62] and Narla et al. [71]
illustrated that the electrokinetic phenomenon provides effective Wall shear stress plays an important role in the micropump design,
manipulation capabilities and controlling tendency for the flow rate. As affecting the flow rate in the microchannel and is a function of the shear
the electrical double layer (EDL) is much smaller than the characteristics strain. An analytical expression of wall shear stress is derived using the
length of the microchannel, the influence of the external electric filed is relation of axial velocity component as τh2 = ∂∂uy|y=h2 . The relative shear
dominating. In Fig. 9, κ represents the ratio of the characteristic trans­ stress effects of different (Newtonian and non-Newtonian) viscous fluids
verse length to the Debye length. These simulations have been set at κ = on the wall of a microchannel are depicted in Fig. 11. The membrane
2 to ensure the negligible electro-viscous effect while κ = 10 is retained shape is insensitive to the external pressure; however, longitudinal
to utilise the electro-viscous forces. Here, it is noticed that the axial tension is found to dominate. The upper wall is modelled with mem­
velocity profile does not change the shape for κ = 2. However, the to­ brane kinematics that bears tension. Lui and Pedley [48] discussed how
pology of the velocity profile is significantly modified from parabolic to steady solutions collapse if the fluid shear stress reduces the wall tension
trapezoidal with thin EDL thickness (i.e., κ = 10). to zero at some point along the wall. In Fig. 11, it is seen that the shear
Using the Cauchy-Riemann relations, u = ∂ψ
∂y and v = − ∂x ,
∂ψ
the flow stress is developed due to the membrane kinematics, and it is reduced
fields of fluids are important to understand the flow phenomena in the relative to the rest of the channel area. The high vicoplasticity of fluids
microchannel. The orientation of the flow field of fluid transport at any enhances the wall shear stress as compared to the couple stress fluid as
point in the streamline is indicated by the tangent at that point. The flow depicted in Fig. 11 however this is not a standard result since the
field of the viscous fluid developed by the rhythmic membrane (3rd parameter used in viscoplastic fluids and couple stress fluids are
pumping paradigm) is observed in Fig. 10a. A constant flow field at each different and comparison cannot be correct. Both fluids are having the
cross-section area is noted when the membrane performs the compression different rheological properties and their flow analysis by the membrane
phase at time t = 0.25. In Fig. 10b, it is observed that the magnetic field pumping mechanism may be different. Based on the analysis depicted in
can be considered to control the flow rate accordingly. It uniformly bi­ the Fig. 11, it can be concluded that the rheological properties of the
furcates the viscous fluid in both the left and right direction, which could fluids play significant role and there is the requirement of the various
be significant in separating the cell into a protein chip or DNA chip. membrane based pumping flow models with various models of
Bhandari et al. [70] applied an intense electric field to the microchannel non-Newtonian fluids (power law fluids, viscoplastic fluids, viscoelastic
to show that the electric field localises the pressure generated by the ki­ fluids, couples stress fluids, micropolar fluids, etc.). It is also recom­
nematic membrane, which enhances the pumping efficiency, as presented mended that the effects of all non-Newtonian fluids parameters on the
in Fig. 10c. Furthermore, the importance of micro-membrane pumps in variation of wall shear stress can also be examined for the design of the
engineering and medicine has been classified based on the various para­ membrane based pumps and selection of the materials. A microchannel
digms and phenomena included and is shown in Fig. 13. with greater length helps to optimise pressure-flow relations for a highly
flexible membrane, i.e. achieves better flow rates and lower pressure
drops.

4.5. Heat conduction and convection in the microchannel

The theoretical study by Bhandari et al. [65] focused on the rate of

heat transfer through a constant wall temperature T1 with a uniform
heat generation q′ per unit volume. Nusselt number simulates the rate of
energy conversion due to the motion of the fluid through the thermo­
fluidics system, which is expressed as (See Ref. [86])
Fig. 10. The flow field for a Newtonian fluid induced by membrane pumping in
a microchannel. (a) No external force (b) in the presence of the magnetic field
(c) in the presence of the electric field in flow direction.

9
D. Tripathi et al. Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 360 (2023) 114518

Fig. 11. The variation in the wall shear stress throughout the microchannel for (a) Newtonian fluid (b) Couple stress fluid (c) viscoelastic fluid at a fixed time t =
0.25..

∂h ∂θ unrealised with other discrete-scheme PMPs. It has been found that the
Nu = | . (25)
∂x ∂y y=h frequency of the membrane oscillation and membrane amplitude are the
critical parameters in biomimetic pumping devices to circulate the blood
The Nusselt number is vital for understanding the flow of heat con­
flow efficiently [72,73]. A kinematic membrane in a pumping device
vection/conduction phenomena for the heat transfer rate in micro­
compresses and expands to pump liquids in an analogous way to which
channels. From Fig. 12, it is observed that the kinematics of the
the heart pumps blood. Many variations in designs can be embedded via
membrane evaluate the heat transfer nearby the contraction region, i.e.
geometry, including the diameter and number of membranes chamber to
the flow of heat convection (Nu > 1) is developed due to the fluid
pump complex fluids in microfluidics according to their applications
motion in the microchannel. From these results, it is concluded that
[58,60,65]. From the engineering perspective, the object remains to
natural convection can induce heat transfer in microchannels more
enhance pumping rates for a wide spectrum of complex fluids, including
efficiently than heat conduction.
ionic, electromagnetic and reactive chemicals, to minimise losses, sus­
tain productivity and circumvent downtime. The membrane must be
5. Applications of membrane-based pumping
chemically compatible with the pumped fluid. A chemically inert ma­
terial is used to maintain the membrane’s structural and chemical
Various mathematical models with membrane pumping mechanisms
compatibility for some microfluidic applications can be seen in the
have been formulated with advanced features and wide range of appli­
literature [74,75]. Engineers are also increasingly adopting
cations to be covered. In the sense of biological innovation, several
software-driven techniques for membrane pumping to automate the
findings are useful involving: heart-pumping assist devices, which were
control of the periodic injection, flow variation and other capabilities

Fig. 12. The distribution of Nusslte number with time inside the microchnnel.

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D. Tripathi et al. Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 360 (2023) 114518

[76,77]. Additive manufacturing (stereo-lithography) also offers an swallowing, blood flow, fluid transport, etc. Studying the properties of
excellent fabrication method for advanced membrane pumping systems fluids at the microscale greatly assists in improving the design of future
where layer-by-layer synthesis controlled by software achieves yet faster biomedical instruments such as microfluidic syringes and a variety of
productivity and more intricate designs [84]. micropumps (respirators, pumps, ventilators, dialysis equipment) and
As noted earlier, researchers have also explored the use of an ionic LoC (Lab on Chip) systems. Understanding the structure and function of
aqueous solution that conducts electric current efficiently to introduce membrane pumping mechanisms, it has been shown to be very useful in
electroosmotic flow capabilities in BioMEMS and Lab-on-a-Chip micro­ implementing these ideas for achieving novel solutions for industrial
devices, which are very useful in emerging biotechnology applications, designers via the use of a wide range of sophisticated microfluidic me­
including blood purification, DNA sampling, bio-chromatography, etc. chanical devices for use in bio-engineering [83–85]. Scrutiny of the
[78,79,82]. Some researchers have shown that static or alternating previous studies has identified that the utilization of membrane pump­
electric field can effectively alter the motion of an aqueous electrolyte ing had been thus far limited to medical diagnosis aspects. However, in
[62]. the future, there is the possibility to utilize membrane kinematics in
Other investigators have explored the use of suspensions of magnetic multi-feature biomimetic devices rather than only optimised
dipoles in the physiological fluid to develop smart pumping fluids. This micro-structural components. Finally, it can be concluded that mem­
approach can also achieve excellent regulation of the viscosity of brane kinematics can be considered to be a very promising technology
physiological liquids via the careful deployment of magnetic fields [63]. that can be integrated with MEMS to accelerate advanced micropump
This micropump is widely utilised for medical drug delivery, fuel cell, development with multiple features, including multi-membranes, elec­
cell culturing and other technologies. However, the consideration of tromagnetic working fluids, diffuser-nozzle elements and chemical
natural fluid pumping phenomena with existing micropump technology reactions.
provides a refreshing approach to design improvements that can be
adapted for specific biomedical fields, including disease diagnosis, 7. Challenges and opportunities of membrane-based pumping in
treatment, etc [85]. Fig. 13 describes the utilisation of membrane microscale transport phenomena
pumping in the range of engineering and medical diagnostics Fig. 13.
Numerous mechanistic models have been proposed from the funda­
6. Conclusions mental aspects of microscale transport and insect respiratory system
related to the peristaltic principles. However, the limited experimental
A detailed survey of the pumping mechanisms with rheological work on membrane based micropumps have been conducted so far in­
properties of fluids and mathematical models involved for the simula­ dicates that there is no sufficient data relating to performance which is
tion of biomimetic membrane pumping devices (such as heart-pumping, required to build a truly biomimetic membrane-kinematic-based microfluid
peristaltic pumping, microfluidic pumping, etc.) and their applications pumping device optimally exploiting membrane kinematics. A key chal­
has been presented. Important aspects of the hydrodynamic mechanisms lenge is to more precisely quantify via experiments how fast fluid (liquid
intrinsic to membrane kinematics in insect respiration have been and gas) is propelled through a microfluidics channel via membrane
considered, which provide a solid foundation for transferring this phe­ kinematic mechanisms. More precise information is also required to
nomenon to micropump analysis and design. Fluid dynamics approaches evaluate how fluid viscosity affects the flow rate inside the micro­
have been shown to be critical to new microscale design technologies. It channel. Other critical questions include quantifying how the working
is also central to many important transport mechanisms in the human fluid in a deformable microfluidics channel geometry interacts with
body, including gas (i.e., oxygen and carbon dioxide) exchange, food rhythmic membrane propagation over a time. Advanced computational

Fig. 13. Classification of applications of membrane pumping mechanisms in (a) engineering field (b) medical field.

11
D. Tripathi et al. Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 360 (2023) 114518

Fig. 14. A schematic process of designing a biomimetic pumping flow model.

fluid dynamic simulations can also assist in answering these questions. A a) Predictive Maintenance: Machine learning models can analyse his­
very rich and intriguing avenue has opened up with the ultimate torical data to identify patterns and predict the potential failures or
objective of fabricating an efficient pumping device not only limited to maintenance needs in the pumping systems. By detecting early signs
the microscale. The membrane kinematic pumping mechanism could of issues, maintenance can be scheduled proactively, minimizing the
feasibly be upscaled from the micro level to the macro level leading to an downtime and reducing maintenance costs in advance.
evolution in larger engineering design systems with futuristic features, b) Energy Optimization: By analysing the real-time data such as flow
including heat exchangers, even renewable energy and green energy. rates, pressure, and energy consumption, the algorithms can adjust
Typically, with regard to simulation aspects, i.e. in the design of a the membrane pumping and settings to achieve optimal energy ef­
biomimetic membrane kinematic mathematical model, four steps are ficiency of the pumping systems.
required: problem definition, mathematical formulation, results and dis­ c) Optimization of Pump Scheduling: Machine learning algorithms can
cussion, and validation, as summarised in Fig. 14. In the first step, a bio- determine the most efficient and cost-effective way to operate
engineering problem is identified which has not been addressed deeply pumps, ensuring optimal system performance while minimizing en­
or which requires a particular industrial demand for its resolution. This ergy consumption and operational costs.
implies a considerable research gap which needs to be filled. Once the
physical problem is defined, different mathematical models can be Different biological developments are connected to various engi­
developed, aiming to simulate the membrane kinematic pumping flow neering research areas in this process until the outcomes demonstrate
phenomena accurately. that the pairing is optimal, and a truly innovative, state-of-the-art
A mathematical model is developed based on the problem definition membrane-based micropump product is synthesized for implementa­
defined for the challenges and requirements raised/come from society, tion in commercial markets.
health care, energy, finance, environment, etc. After formulation of the
problem, it is required to identify the analytical or numerical methods Declaration of Competing Interest
available in the literature and it can be employed to provide the best
solution to the defined mathematical problem, i.e. set of governing The authors declare that they have no known competing financial
equations and appropriate boundary conditions. Further, the nominated interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence
mathematical model is analysed carefully and benchmarked with earlier the work reported in this paper.
studies or experimental results to verify its validity under the most
realistic conditions possible to replicate actual practical observations. Data Availability
Following this, having produced the major results of the verification
process and optimisation of innovative features, the design of the bio­ No data was used for the research described in the article.
mimetic pumping model is ready to move to the production
(manufacturing) stage. When determining the viability/feasibility of Ethical approval
utilizing the discovered biological feature for a specific engineering
application, e.g. medical, energy, process control etc., the aspect ratio, The paper reflects the authors’ own research and analysis in a
channel geometry and fabrication method cost should be taken into truthful and complete manner.
consideration, among other features [80]. This configuration provides
structural improvements to the pumping mechanism at the micro level. References
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D. Tripathi et al. Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 360 (2023) 114518

[71] V.K. Narla, D. Tripathi, D.S. Bhandari, O. Anwar Bég, Electrokinetic insect- Dr Dharmendra Tripathi has been working as Associate Pro­
bioinspired membrane pumping in a high aspect ratio bio-microfluidic system, fessor in the Department of Mathematics, National Institute of
Microfluid. Nanofluidics (2022). Technology, Uttarakhand. Prior to joining NIT Uttarakhand, he
[72] Cetin Kiris, D. Kwak, S. Rogers, I.-Dee Chang, Computational approach for probing has worked more than 12 years as faculty member (Associate
the flow through artificial heart devices, J. Biomech. Eng. (1997) 452–460. Professor, Assistant Professor) in various reputed institutions
[73] Chao Tang, et al., Viscous flow past a collapsible channel as a model for self-excited like Manipal University Jaipur, NIT Delhi, IIT Ropar and BITS
oscillation of blood vessels, J. Biomech. 48 (10) (2015) 1922–1929. Pilani Hyderabad. He completed his PhD in Applied Mathe­
[74] I.R.G. Ogilvie, et al., Chemically resistant microfluidic valves from Viton® matics (Mathematical Modelling of Physiological flows) in
membranes bonded to COC and PMMA, Lab a Chip 11 (14) (2011) 2455–2459. 2009 from Indian Institute of Technology BHU and MSc in
[75] Roy, Emmanuel, et al. "Overview of materials for microfluidic applications." Mathematics from Banaras Hindu University. He has super­
Advances in Microfluidics-New Applications in Biology, Energy, and Materials vised 07 PhD students and 04 are working under his supervi­
Sciences (2016). sion. He has also guided various [Link] projects. He has
[76] Matthias Heil, [Link] Sarah, How rapidly oscillating collapsible tubes extract published more than 200 papers in reputed international
energy from a viscous mean flow, J. Fluid Mech. 601 (2008) 199–227. journals, 03 edited Books in Springer, 01 edited Book in CRC, 10 book chapters and pre­
[77] Hua Pan, Lun Sheng Pan, Diao Xu, Teng Yong Ng, Gui Rong Liu, A projection sented more than 40 papers in International and National Conferences. His research h-
method for solving incompressible viscous flows on domains with moving index is 53 and i-10 index is 162 and his papers have more than 7600 citations as per
boundaries, Int. J. Numer. Methods Fluids 45 (1) (2004) 53–78. google scholar. He has delivered more than 100 lectures as Invited Speaker, Keynote
[78] N. Kizilova, Mahmoud Hamadiche, M. Gad-el-Hak, Mathematical models of Speaker and Resource person in various conferences, workshops, FDP, STTP, STC,
biofluid flows in compliant ducts, Arch. Mech. 64 (1) (2012) 65–94. refresher courses, etc. He has received the best faculty award in 2022 from NIT Uttarak­
[79] Hao Liu, T. Yamaguchi, Waveform dependence of pulsatile flow in a stenosed hand for outstanding contribution in teaching, research and administration. He has been
channel, J. Biomech. Eng. 123 (1) (2001) 88–96. listed in top 2% researchers/scientists across the World as per Updated science-wide
[80] I.D. Wijegunawardana, W.R. de Mel, Biomimetic designs for automobile author databases of standardized citation indicators in the year 2020, year-2021 and
engineering: a review, Int. J. Automot. Mech. Eng. 18 (3) (2021) 9029–9041. year-2022. He has also received the President Award in 2017 by the Manipal University
[81] Ostadfar, Ali. Biofluid mechanics: Principles and applications. Academic Press, Jaipur for outstanding contribution. Recipient of Prof PR Sharma Memorial award from
2016. International Academy for Physical Sciences (IAPS) in 2021, Associate Fellow of IAPS
[82] Ping Sheng, Weijia Wen, Electrorheological fluids: mechanisms, dynamics, and since 2022. He has been recognized by the Head of Institution for excellent work and
microfluidics applications, Annu. Rev. Fluid Mech. 44 (1) (2012) 143–174. contribution for the NIT Uttarakhand in year 2020. He has also recognized by various
[83] Bernhard Sebastian, [Link] Petra, Microfluidics to mimic blood flow in health reputed journals for reviewing the articles and editing the special issues for the journals.
and disease, Annu. Rev. Fluid Mech. 50 (2018) 483–504. He was awarded some prestigious INAE fellowships in 2015 & 2016, 2017 and 2018,
[84] Jun Huang, et al., Development and performance comparison of valveless postdoctoral fellowships (NBHM, Dr. D.S. Kothari and Indo-EU) in 2010 etc.
piezoelectric pumps with asymmetrical channels, Sens. Actuators A: Phys. 314
(2020), 112241.
[85] D.S. Bhandari, Dharmendra Tripathi, Alteration in membrane-based pumping flow
Dinesh Singh Bhandari is working as a Research Associate in
with rheological behaviour: a mathematical model. Comput. Methods Prog.
the James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow.
Biomed. 229 (2023), 107325.
He completed his BSc in Mathematics from the University of
[86] Noreen Sher Akbar, Entropy generation and energy conversion rate for the
Delhi in 2011 and his master’s degree in Maths with Comp. Sci.
peristaltic flow in a tube with magnetic field, Energy 82 (2015) 23–30.
from Jamia Millia Islamia in 2014. He then received his PhD in
the Department of Mathematics from the National Institute of
Technology Uttarakhand in 2023. His research areas include
biomimetic pumping mechanisms and biofilms.

O. Anwar Bég is Professor and Director- Multi-Physical Engi­

neering Sciences Group, Dept. Mechanical and Aeronautical
Engineering, Salford University, Manchester, UK. He has been
active for over 25 years in CFD, nanofluid dynamics, bio­
mimetic flows, robotic fluid mechanics, multi-physical elec­
tromagnetic flows, rocket propulsion, coating simulation, solar
nanotechnology, biomedical fluid dynamics, supercritical
thermodynamics, magnetic sensors, bio-tribology, hypersonic
heat transfer, jet engine propulsion and thermo-elasticity. He
has been UK editor for the Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and
Biology (Singapore/USA) since 2010. He is a chartered math­
ematician and Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and Ap­
plications (IMA) and also a Chartered engineer and Fellow of
the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (UK). In 2023 he was ranked by [Link] as
the 18th best scientist in mechanical and aerospace engineering in the UK. His heroes are
Theodore Von Karman, Eric Laithwaite, A.C. Eringen and L.D. Landau.

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