Particle Turbulence Interaction
The aim of this research is to advance the state of knowledge on particle-turbulence interaction in dilute, disperse, two-phase flow. This is achieved by using cutting-edge holographic PIV techniques to provide detailed, coupled, three-dimensional (3D) data of the particulate and fluid phases, comparing the data with computational models, and developing new understanding of the fundamental physics. Particle-laden turbulent flows are important in numerous industrial processes such as particle synthesis, spray combustion, and sedimentation transport, and in nature. In the atmosphere, cloud droplet formation and growth is strongly affected by the droplet interaction with fine-scale turbulence. The latest advancement of flow diagnostics technology has brought about new opportunities to provide heretofore-unavailable detailed experimental data in dilute particle-laden two-phase turbulent flows. This research is supported NASA Microgravity Fluid Physics Program. [see Diagnostics of particulate flow in isotropic turbulence using Holographic PIV]
Simultaneous measurement of continuous phase and dispersed phase is made possible by separating tracer particles (representing continuous phase) from large particles (dispersed phase) according to particle size and particle image intensity.
LFD lab has also developed a dual-camera imaging system, which enables simultaneous planar imaging of two phases. By applying our advanced particle/bubble recognition algorithm in image processing, we are able to do precise planar measurement in multiphase flow.