Topology optimization design of non-Newtonian roller-type viscous micropumps

The paper studies the two-dimensional roller-type viscous micropumps design problem using a level set based topology optimization method. The flow in the viscous micropumps is considered as non-Newtonian flow approximated by the power-law constitutive model. The optimization objective is to minimize the flow viscous dissipation and maximize the flow rate subject to the area constraint. Topology optimization of several roller-type viscous micropumps is numerically investigated by using the presented level set based optimization method. The results show that (1) the optimal long viscous micropump has a higher flow rate; (2) the optimal short viscous micropumps with different flow rates can achieve lower viscous dissipations; (3) the optimal design of the non-Newtonian fluid viscous micropump with a bigger power-law index has a wider gap on the top of the rotor to accommodate a higher flow rate.