Background:
This project was to create a model of a heart valve in order to test the properties and elasticity of materials. We began by researching the functions of the heart and how blood flows through it. Our model is made to represent an Aortic valve. The model had to have two layers of elastic valve flaps. We must test the materials used as the valve flaps for elasticity using the equation known as Young's Modulus.
For our solution we created a tube form durable construction paper, and used elastic saran wrap as the valve material. Yarn was used to fasten between the tube wall and the valve flaps. The yarn restrained the flaps from overextending, allowing them to properly close and block the artery. The function works when blowing through the tube. When you blow through one end, the path for blood is open, and when you blow the opposite direction, the air pressure closes the flaps, blocking the artery from improper blood flow.
We constructed a research document to learn about the heart and how bloodflow works through the chambers of the heart. Our research can be found here. We also researched force, elasticity, and strain. This document can be found here.
For our solution we created a tube form durable construction paper, and used elastic saran wrap as the valve material. Yarn was used to fasten between the tube wall and the valve flaps. The yarn restrained the flaps from overextending, allowing them to properly close and block the artery. The function works when blowing through the tube. When you blow through one end, the path for blood is open, and when you blow the opposite direction, the air pressure closes the flaps, blocking the artery from improper blood flow.
We constructed a research document to learn about the heart and how bloodflow works through the chambers of the heart. Our research can be found here. We also researched force, elasticity, and strain. This document can be found here.
Materials:
Model materials:
-Construction paper
-Masking tape
-Ceran wrap
-Yarn
-Scissors
Testing materials:
-Ring stand
-Hanging mass set
-Hooks for stand
-Construction paper
-Masking tape
-Ceran wrap
-Yarn
-Scissors
Testing materials:
-Ring stand
-Hanging mass set
-Hooks for stand
Photos of model:
We had to calculate the Young's Modulus of the saran wrap that we used for the valve.
Young Modulus
Paper Length: 11 in
Block Weight: 0.5 lbs
E=FLo/AΔL
Lo= 27.94 cm
F=ma
F=(0.22kg)(9.8m/s^2)
F=2.156 N
E=(2.156N)(27.94cm)/(0.3cm)(0.127cm)
E=60.23/.038
E=1585N/cm
Young Modulus
Paper Length: 11 in
Block Weight: 0.5 lbs
E=FLo/AΔL
Lo= 27.94 cm
F=ma
F=(0.22kg)(9.8m/s^2)
F=2.156 N
E=(2.156N)(27.94cm)/(0.3cm)(0.127cm)
E=60.23/.038
E=1585N/cm
Reflection:
We weren't sure where to start for this project, but after doing some research we were able to find information about the functions of the heart and materials that we could use to create our valve. We found the video of a college professor explaining some ways to create a model heart valve and we were able to use this to create a functional valve. This project had us research and learn about how the human heart works, making us more knowledgeable, but it was challenging with minimal guidance. My team and I feel that if we had more direction and instruction for this project, our results could have been better. The biggest challenge for our projects remains consistent, but is improving, and that is our time management.