Structural Optimization and Experimental Study of the Large-size Imitating Peristome of Nepenthes Alata Based on Young-Laplace Equation

doi:10.3901/JME.2025.19.229

Abstract

Abstract: In order to solve the problem of high cost and complex process for the preparation of imitating peristome of Nepenthes alata structure less than 100 microns, a large-sized semi-circular tube microchannel model is prepared by 3D printing, and it is optimized based on the Young-Laplace equation to enhance the liquid uni-directional spreading. Based on the capillary theory and reverse pinning, the mechanism of liquid uni-directional spreading on the surface of large-size imitating peristome of Nepenthes alata is analyzed. The ridge gap c is introduced by the Young-Laplace equation, and the reverse reflux suppression mechanism is proposed. Combined with finite element simulation, the design rule of c and l is obtained, and the semi-circular microchannel is optimized. The titration test is carried out to observe the uni-directional liquid spreadability of the optimized semi-circular microchannel, and an ideal optimization semi-circular microchannel model with large-size imitating peristome of Nepenthes alata is obtained. The results show that the larger the c and l are, the smaller the average outlet velocity is, and the higher the velocity attenuation rate is. When l=500 μm and c=20 μm, the uni-directional spreading performance is obviously improved. The spreading coefficient is increased by 106.9%, and the reverse spreading distance is reduced by 58.14%. The average speed of the simulation is the same as that of the test. The research results of this study have certain guiding significance for the improvement of uni-directional liquid spreading in semi-circular microchannels with large size of 100 microns prepared by 3D printing, and it avoids the limitation of complex and expensive traditional preparation process.

Key words: uni-directional liquid spreading, peristome of Nepenthes alata, Young-Laplace equation, backflow suppression, semi-circular microchannels

CLC Number:

TB17

JIANG Chen, CHEN Feihao, HAO Yu, XU Shiwei. Structural Optimization and Experimental Study of the Large-size Imitating Peristome of Nepenthes Alata Based on Young-Laplace Equation[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2025, 61(19): 229-236.

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