Date of Award

4-2009

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Tianshu Liu

Second Advisor

Dr. Parviz Merati

Third Advisor

Dr. Javier Montefort

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Campus Only

Abstract

This is a study of flow structure effect on the deposition of very small oil droplets upon the impingement surface in a turbulent aerosol impinging jet. Unlike larger droplets within an aerosol spray, deposition characteristics of droplets 1-10 micrometers in diameter are highly affected by flow structures within the surrounding fluid. Therefore, an understanding of how flow structures affect the interaction of oil droplets and a rigid surface has been applied in development of flow control techniques that greatly increase oil droplet deposition upon the jet impingement surface. Results indicate that there are three primary physical mechanisms, small-scale random turbulence, rapid streamline curvature of the mean flow field near the impingement surface and intermittent large-scale coherent vortex creation within the wall jet shear layer that all effect oil droplet deposition upon the impingement surface. Utilizing the impinging jet physical mechanism discoveries, a flow control technique known as turbulence tripping has been applied for increased oil accumulation rates upon the impingement surface.

Off-campus Download

Share

COinS