Establishment of a Volumetric 3-Component Velocimetry System and Flow Channel
Abstract
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) proposes to establish an advanced volumetric particle image velocimetry (PIV) system for fluid mechanics research and education in STEM. Soft-robotic devices with an aptitude for operation in water, such as ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuators, are ideal for underwater naval applications due to their high bending response, low operational power and electronics requirements, aptitude for operation in hydrated environments, and scalability in manufacturing. The primary focus of existing research of underwater soft-robotic devices has been in fabrication, development, controls, and modeling, with flow experiments mostly restricted to thrust measurements. Performance testing capabilities are limited due to lack of flow visualization for understanding of the impact of the flow surrounding an actuator, sensor, or micro-pump. Similarly, the accuracy of new flow-sensor devices can be improved with flow visualization for better verification and understanding of sensor measurements. Incorporation of a PIV setup will be greatly beneficial to the further development and understanding of such devices and will greatly impact the UNLV engineering and STEM educational courses and labs in the field of fluid mechanics, underwater robotics, smart materials, and other related subjects. It will immediately support a number of UNLV DoD related projects and will ignite local industry partnerships in connection with DoD research and development. Additionally, the proposed V3V system will support UNLV undergraduate and graduate curriculums, train STEM students in state-of-the-art fluid mechanics and materials characterization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 04, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910500
Entities
People
- Kwang J Kim
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas