High-Speed Flow Characterization System
Abstract
We request equipment to improve facilities and diagnostics for unsteady aerodynamics and turbulence studies at UNM. We are conducting a DoD-funded study of the fundamental physics relevant to understanding nuclear weapons effects in situations where mixing of multiple gases and interaction between gases and particles/droplets play an important role, for example, in fireballs and shock-debris interactions. This study combines theoretical analysis, numerical modeling, and experiments in an effort to produce better understanding and improved modeling of the physics of high-speed mixing and transition to turbulence. Validated models are incorporated into numerical codes commonly used in the National Laboratories and by weapons developers. Simulations with these models are conducted in collaboration with national laboratory researchers. The phenomena we consider include gas mixing and transition to turbulence, complex behavior of particles and droplets in high-speed compressible flows, resuspension and transport of flammable materials, and reshock in a variety of geometries. Both the theoretical and the computational components of the work rely heavily on the experimental results for input and validation. We propose to greatly enhance the experimental capabilities related to the project at the University of New Mexico by acquiring equipment that will also make it possible to advance the state of the art in experimental hydrodynamics. The equipment includes two reconfigurable lasers that will be used for flow visualization and will make it possible to combine direct particle and droplet visualization using Mie scattering of visible light with laser-induced fluorescence of a tracer gas, thereby producing a comprehensive, time-resolved characterization of both the gaseous and non-gaseous phases in the flow. With the visualization lasers, it will be possible to illuminate multiple planes in the flow, producing a three-dimensional picture of its evolution well-suited for quantitative analysis and for development of benchmarks that characterize interface evolution and mixing as required for formulation and validation of reduced-order models. We also request a high-speed, high-resolution imaging camera essential to advance the state of the art in diagnostics by going beyond the mature techniques such as particle-tracking and statistical analysis of laser-induced fluorescence images. Our goal is to acquire the imaging capability suitable for producing time-resolved multi-image stacks to which image correlation velocimetry (ICV) could be applied, making it possible to reconstruct a velocity and acceleration field without relying on a particle tracer which is known both to interfere with flow physics in shock-driven flows and to lack flow-tracking fidelity. Application of ICV to shock-driven multiphase flow will both represent a major advancement in the state of the art and provide us with a wealth of quantitative data for analysis, validation, and verification. Finally, the key component that will enable us to extend the parameter space of our experiments to study transient and quasi-stationary high-speed compressible flows is a reconfigurable high-speed wind tunnel capable of sustaining flows with Mach numbers up to 0.3. The diagnostic equipment (lasers and camera) will be used in studies of these flows as well as in studies of shock-driven hydrodynamics using the existing UNM shock tube.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 02, 2022
- Source ID
- W911NF2210150
Entities
People
- Peter Vorobieff
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of New Mexico