Harnessing turbulence constructively
Abstract
Turbulence is canonically associated with chaotic mixing, destructive forces, and increased entropy. This project asks if the intense fluctuations of turbulence can be harnessed to do the reverse: de-mix particles and assemble structures. The research builds on preliminary data obtained in the PI s labs that shows that by placing particles with specific shapes in turbulent flows, turbulence can be harnessed to induce de-mixing. The objectives of the proposal are to develop a fundamental understanding of the processes at play in the turbulence de-mixing effect, focusing on how it can be optimized by engineering the particle shapes and flow characteristics; identify avenues for optimizing it s efficiency; and investigate the controlled turbulent assembly of particle structures. This fascinating effect that combines particle geometry and turbulent flow to drive assembly is enabled by modern 3D printing manufacturing possibilities and newly developed micron-scale synthetic methodologies developed by one of the PIs. The research program brings shape control to the problem of particle aggregation in turbulence. This addition, albeit conceptually simple, has enormous applicative potential. From efficient sampling of nano-particles in a fluid, to controlled mixing and delivery of particles and chemicals via mechanisms that are chemistry-independent. Beyond these potential applications, this research has the potential to boost the speed at which the self-assembly of materials can occur, potentially and literally, accelerating the impact of the substantial research area of self-assembly. The self-assembly of materials or complex material building blocks is at the heart of efforts to create functional materials with mechano-photonic response for example. In the long term, the proposed research has the potential to increase our fundamental understanding of turbulence-particle interactions, leading to new potential applications in turn. Crucially, the proposed research has the potential to change the perception of turbulence from a nuisance to a resource.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 09, 2020
- Source ID
- W911NF2010117
Entities
People
- William T. M. Irvine
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Chicago