A valve invented by engineer Nikola Tesla a century ago is not only more functional than previously realized, but also has other potential applications today, a team of researchers has found after conducting a series of experiments on replications of the early 20th-century design.
Its findings, reported in the journal Nature Communications, suggest that Tesla’s device, which he called a “valvular conduit”, could harness the vibrations in engines and other machinery to pump fuel, coolants, lubricants, and other gases and liquids.
Now known as the Tesla Valve, the patented device has inspired strategies for directing streams within flow networks and circuits. [Read more…] about Scientists explore Tesla roads not taken – and find new potential present-day utility