Fluidic Diodes

Fluidic diodes are one way valves without moving parts that have a greater pressure difference depending upon which side of the valve receives input. Diodicity is defined as the ratio of pressure drop for reverse and forward flow for the same flow rate. It depends upon the geometry, size, nozzle configuration and Reynolds number. Vortex diodes produce a throttling effect as a result of turbulence induced by the fluid flow. Flow from one side of the valve is relatively unimpeded in the axial direction while flow from the other side is introduced tangentially producing a vortex. The present model is a spherical representation of the normally discoid vortex valve and can be printed without internal supports.