Design, build, and characterization of a platform for testing bio-inspired, pressure-compensating valves

Abstract

I design and build a testing platform to further the study and testing of bio-inspired, pressure-compensating valves. Research into an inexpensive design for a pressure-compensating valve designed to address the low-cost, high water efficiency needs of subsistence farmers in developing countries has already begun through proof-of-concept prototypes and testing; This project builds on the early-stage testing. A stable test set-up, designed for easy use and repeatability was needed in order to perform tests on valve prototypes with more accuracy and precision. I took into consideration the structural and systems needs of the test set-up, and proceeded to build and run tests on various tubing prototypes. By comparing these test results with previous proof-of-concept tests and analytical models, I show that this test setup can provide meaningful data for the testing of pressure-compensating valves, and could be used for future investigation into the design of such valves to be used in drip irrigation systems in developing countries.