Building an Artificial Circulatory system.

Kurt_ · Post by **Kurt_** » Sat May 10, 2008 7:04 pm

For my next insane project, I need an accurate representation of at least part of the circulatory system. This must include a liquid with the viscosity of non-clotted blood, a tube that is the same thickness, stretchiness, density, etc. as a human vein, and something to simulate accurately the pressurized/unpressurized flow of blood through the aforementioned vein.

I have never taken a biology course past the mandatory one about plants and such 4 years ago.

Help!

Where do I start? I work at a garden centre in the pond section, so a small pump would be easy to acquire. How do I make it pulsating? How do I know what non-clotted blood flows like, how do I know the properties of a vein inside the body, and how do I simulate all of these? What would I use, etc.?

Post by **bicostp** » Sat May 10, 2008 7:33 pm

If you can get a fairly low-voltage pump you could hook it up to a relay driven by a 555 circuit. That would give you the pulsing action.

Dr. KillGood · Post by **Dr. KillGood** » Sat May 10, 2008 7:43 pm

555 times, are they like a godsend or what?

Kurt_ · Post by **Kurt_** » Sat May 10, 2008 7:51 pm

I tried to hook up a simple 55 circuit once, it didn't work out at all. I don't suppose there's a more mechanical method, eh?

Rekarp · Post by **Rekarp** » Sun May 11, 2008 2:08 am

Kurt_ wrote:I tried to hook up a simple 55 circuit once, it didn't work out at all. I don't suppose there's a more mechanical method, eh?

Sure but I think it would be a lot more complex then a 555 timer.

If you wanted it to be purely mechanical you would have to a motor spin a flat disc that is only half covered in foil. On either side of this disc you have two flaps made out of foil. When the disc spins the foil flaps hit the foiled part of the disc and complete the circuit. When it rotates to the unfoiled part it breaks the circuit. Then all you need is to stick a voltage regulator on the motor that spins the disc so you can set the frequency.

I can't remember where I have seen this in action. Something I took apart along time ago was set up this way...

Hope that makes sense

Edit//

Or you can have a rotary to linear motion device (think Steam Locomotive) and have it flip a switch...

Kurt_ · Post by **Kurt_** » Sun May 11, 2008 4:08 pm

Or I could have a motor with a hole/slit in it that spun and allowed flow when the hole lines up with the hose.

Regardless, my biggest speed bump is replicating an artery or vein. Help?