Prof. Christos Manopoulos
National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Athens, Greece
Title of the paper: Novel Mechanisms for Flow Rate Enhancement in Valveless Pumping via Dynamic Time-Dependent Constrictions
Abstract: Valveless pumping is a fascinating fluid transport mechanism driven by asymmetric dynamic excitations without the use of conventional mechanical valves. Despite its significant advantages in biomedical and microfluidic applications, optimizing its net flow rate and efficiency remains a challenge. This lecture explores recent advancements in enhancing the performance of valveless pumping systems through the implementation of a time-dependent (unsteady) constriction. Drawing upon experimental and theoretical models, we demonstrate how precise synchronization between the periodic compression and the dynamic variation of the stenosis cross-section can dramatically augment flow rates and rectify net flow direction. Furthermore, the fluid-structure interactions, resonance phenomena, and pressure amplitude variations within closed-loop and open-tank configurations will be thoroughly discussed, providing new insights into the design of next-generation valveless pumping devices.
Bio: Christos Manopoulos received an integrated Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the School of Engineering at the University of Patras, Greece, in 1995. Subsequently, he obtained additional M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Biomedical Engineering in 1999 and 2009, respectively, through a European Postgraduate Programme. This program was a collaborative effort between the University of Patras (School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine) and the National Technical University of Athens (School of Mechanical Engineering, School of Electrical & Computer Engineering), Greece. Simultaneously with his postgraduate studies, he worked in the R&D department of Micrel SA, a company specializing in the design and manufacture of medical pumps. Furthermore, he served as a Biomedical-Mechanical Engineer at VIODOMI SA, where he held the position of construction project supervisor. He has participated as a Mechanical Engineer and has successfully completed 15 European and National R&D projects within his research area. He currently holds the position of Associate Professor and serves as the Director of the Biofluid Mechanics Laboratory in the Fluids Section at the School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece. He has authored or coauthored more than 100 journal and conference papers and holds one patent. His research interests include theoretical, computational, and experimental methods in biofluid mechanics, unsteady oscillating flows, fluid analysis, investigation and design of biomedical systems, devices, and equipment related to biofluid mechanics technology. Additionally, he focuses on the development of biofluid mechanics models in technology and living organisms under normal and pathological conditions, valveless pumping, peristaltic pumps, as well as simulation and prototyping of medical devices and machines. Christos Manopoulos serves as a reviewer for over 15 scientific journals. He has actively participated in various scientific committees and is a member of several scientific societies. He received a scholarship from the State Scholarships Foundation of Greece for his Ph.D., a Doctoral Research award in 2009, and several awards for some of his research publications.