Modeling/Optimization of Valves/Flow in Implantable Urinary Incontinence Devices
Students: J.West,  Collaborators: E.Smela @ UMD, G.Barrett @ Infinte Biomedical Technologies

Model flow in implantable urine control devices to minimize leakage and stresses on the conjugated polymer actuated valves. Optimize the valve design. (13 million people in the US suffer from urinary incontinence [US Department of Health]. The proposed implantable device is flexible and about the size of a short pencil.)

Urine flow and forces on the conjugated polymer actuated valves in the implantable device. From left to right: schematic of the entire device; zoom showing the valve operation (first two figures courtesy of Gary Barrett); urine flow through the chamber and valves (color = pressure, cones = velocity field); and zoom of flow around the valves: the right top panel shows the pressure on the valves which determines the forces and moments on the valves; the right bottom panel shows the zoomed flow field.