MagLev MCS Lab
Team Advisor/PI
Lam Yu, Ph.D., Joseph Cavallaro, Ph.D., and Nobuyuki Kurita, Ph.D.
Project Description/ Research Team Goals
In our project, we will develop a next-generation Magnetically Levitated Centrifugal Blood Pump (MCBP). Our development process is guided by two core constraints. The first is to achieve hemocompatibility, meaning the pump must minimize damage to sensitive blood components. The second is to engineer a disposable pump head, a design choice intended to significantly reduce manufacturing cost and complexity. The core innovation of our project is the implementation of a Passive Magnetic Levitation (PML) system. We selected this technology to enable the development of a simple, low-cost disposable pump head by relocating all complex electronic and mechanical components to a durable, external drive unit. Our proposed PML system relies on a combination of magnetic and dynamic forces to achieve stable, contact-free impeller suspension with the disposable pump head.
Issues Addressed
Advanced mechanical circulatory support devices are needed to serve as a vital bridge to transplant for patients with end-stage heart failure. Our project addresses this clinical need by developing a next-generation Magnetically Levitated Centrifugal Blood Pump (MCBP).
Research Methods and Technology
Our research plan combines theoretical modeling, computational simulation, and physical prototyping. The three distinct components of our methodology are summarized below:
- Electromagnetic Modeling: Our team will use Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to create detailed computational models of the magnetic forces within the pump.
- Hydrodynamic Optimization: We will use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to simulate blood flow through the pump. This analysis will calculate the Shear Stress Accumulation (SSA) in our pump to predict and minimize blood damage.
- Prototyping and Testing: Our team will manufacture prototypes of the Passive Magnetic Levitation (PML) system using 3D printing and commercially available components and then conduct testing.
Academic Majors of Interest
Open to all majors
Prior Preparation/Requisite Experience
None
Compensation
Work study-eligible students may receive compensation from OURI.
Course Credit
PHYS 461
Team Meeting
To be determined
Actively Onboarding New Members
Yes
Ready to Apply?
Use the linked Google Form to submit your application!
Contact
For more information, please email Dr. Yu at lhyu@rice.edu.