Heart Valve Model

Step 1: Selecting Materials

We had to use materials that reassembled a heart valve. We ended up going with pvc pipe, gloves, rubber bands, and a CD. We found that these materials were able to replicate the heart valve's stiffness, flexibility, and durability. 

Step 2: Testing Materials

We set up a elasticity-testing station that allowed us to see the elasticity of our materials and it allowed us to calculate our Young Modulus values. We would hang our material from a bar and measure the length. We would then attach a small mass to the object then remeasure the length. From there we would find the difference and assume the elasticity. 

Step 3: Design and Build Prototype

We had a few different prototypes throughout our designing process. Our main issue was making our heart valve water tight. This proved tricky because we didn't have access to a wide array of materials so we had to persevere with what we had. Eventually we settled on having our outer layer be made of a hard stiff material while the inner layer would be more elastic and flexible.

Step 4: Testing

We tested our model by running water through it from both sides. In theory our model should have opened the valve for one side letting water run through but when you tried to run water through the other side it would close up and not allow any water to come

Content:

Forces

Forces are essential for understanding the valve's operation. Throughout the project, we calculated and analyzed the forces acting on the valve, including the pressure from fluids and the reactive forces from the valve material. 

Elasticity

Elasticity refers to a material's ability to return to its original shape after being deformed. In our project, we tested the valve material’s response to repeated stress to ensure its long-term functionality. Understanding elasticity also guided our material selection, helping us choose materials capable of withstanding repeated cycles of opening and closing. 

Stress

Stress was crucial in determining the pressure limits the valve could withstand. We calculated stress values under different loading conditions. These calculations informed design adjustments to reinforce areas of the valve most vulnerable to high stress. This concept is key to structural analysis in engineering.

Strain

Strain measures the deformation that occurs when a material is subjected to load. We used strain measurements to assess how the valve material stretched or compressed under pressure, ensuring the design minimized permanent deformation.