Van Tesla: The invention of the genius 100 years ago is suddenly very valuable at the present time

Among the inventions of genius Nikola Tesla, there are many that have been forgotten or that humans have not been able to apply properly, basically because human technology has not yet met the genius's vision. was devised more than a century ago.

But recently, an almost forgotten invention of Nicola Tesla suddenly had practical applications. This is a microfluidic regulating valve , simply called a Tesla valve .

The path in the Tesla valve is quite strange, alternating between the main flow path of the liquid are small microfluidic channels that branch off but then flow back to the main flow. The auxiliary flow lines are designed with a curve like a drop of water, so that the fluid flow in the valve can only run in one direction. If it runs in the opposite direction, it will be completely blocked. In other words, the Tesla valve idea was introduced to create a form of one-way fluid regulating valve, with the great advantage of not requiring pumps or moving parts (such as valve gates or furnaces). xo, with the risk of wear and tear during use), but the microfluidic current will help create one-way flow.

Associate Professor Leif Ristroph of New York University's Mathematical Sciences Research Institute said: 'Now the world remembers Tesla as a wizard when it comes to his invention of alternating current electricity, but his discoveries and research His control of fluid flow was also far ahead of its time' . This type of valve, patented by Tesla in 1920, enables the ability to regulate one-way flow thanks to the process of creating turbulent flow and vortex flow inside the duct, which at a certain speed will create the ability to One-way drainage, reverse fluid flow will be blocked immediately.

Associate Professor Ristroph added: 'In addition, vortex flow is created at a much lower liquid flow rate than pipes with basic and familiar designs, and the flow rate in pipes developed by Tesla It turns out that 20 times lower than a normal circular section duct is enough to create vortex flow, indirectly creating a one-way flow control effect. This describes flow control capabilities that serve a wide range of industries'.

The path in the Tesla valve is quite peculiar.

That's it in theory. As for applications, the Tesla valve was invented more than 100 years ago and has countless practical applications . Tesla valves actually operate best under irregular flow conditions, where the fluid flow is instead affected by the pulsation. 'It can be applied to utilize the kinetic energy of vibration in engines or industrial machines to fuel, coolants, lubricants or other forms of gases and liquids.' It even has the potential to be applied in the space industry, where ships have very high vibrations, to regulate the refueling rhythm of rocket engines.

Associate Professor Ristroph said: 'It is remarkable to see that an invention more than a century ago is still not completely understood by humans, and has the potential to be applied in ways that humans have never thought of.'

•