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Three dimensional drop tracking flow chamber for coalescence studies

Journal Article · · Review of Scientific Instruments
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2780160· OSTI ID:1426974
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Microscale Science and Technology

Here, we have developed a novel flow chamber which imposes a controlled axisymmetric stagnation flow to enable the study of external flow effects on coalescence dynamics. This system allows for the first time the precise positioning of a drop in a three dimensional flow and additionally enforces a highly symmetric flow around the drop. We focus on the study of a single drop approaching a stationary flat plane as this is analogous to two drops approaching each other. A single drop is created and then guided along the unsteady center line of a stagnation flow. The real time computer control algorithm analyzes video images of the drop in two orthogonal planes and manipulates flow restricting valves along the four outlets of the flow. We demonstrate using particle image velocimetry that the computer control not only controls the drop position but also ensures a symmetric flow inside the flow chamber. Finally, this chamber will enable a detailed investigation of the drainage of the thin film between the drop and the lower surface in order to probe the effect of external flow on coalescence.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
1426974
Report Number(s):
SAND--2007-1088J; 498631
Journal Information:
Review of Scientific Instruments, Journal Name: Review of Scientific Instruments Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 78; ISSN 0034-6748
Publisher:
American Institute of Physics (AIP)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (10)

Surfactant and viscoelastic effects on drop deformation in 2-D extensional flow journal May 1999
Film drainage between two captive drops: PEO–water in silicon oil journal October 2003
On the buoyancy-driven motion of a drop towards a rigid surface or a deformable interface journal August 1990
Binary collision of drops in simple shear flow by computer-assisted video optical microscopy journal February 1998
Dual optical monitoring of axisymmetric thin aqueous film drainage journal October 1997
Measurement of thin liquid film drainage using a novel high-speed impedance analyzer journal September 1998
The coalescence of two equal-sized drops in a two-dimensional linear flow journal May 2001
Validation of an analytical solution for depth of correlation in microscopic particle image velocimetry journal December 2003
Hindered and Enhanced Coalescence of Drops in Stokes Flows journal March 2004
Particle-Imaging Techniques For Experimental Fluid-Mechanics journal January 1991

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