Ceramic tape and tick film technologies provide a convenient and flexible means for the fabrication of three-dimensional flow conduits integrated with sensing and actuating elements. In their pre-fired (green) state, the ceramic tapes are soft, pliable, and easily machinable. CNC, laser, or chemical machining can be used to fabricate fluid condiuits. Various conduit geometries were machikned ranging from straight conduit segments with various angles between them to arcs to spirals. Subsequent to the machining process, tapes with different planar features were aligned, stacked, and laminated to form complex three-dimensional flow paths. The paper describes the fabrication techniques and capabilities. Additionally, results of preliminary liquid flow measurements and siulations are reported for the pressure drop as a function of conduit geometry and flow rate in straight and L-shaped channels.
展开▼
