Introduction
Fluid flow visualization entails the creation of a means of making fluid flow patterns perceivable. This is important because the flow patterns can be used a basis for analysis in experimentation and in model simulations. A few methods of fluid visualization are: surface flow visualization, particle tracer and optical methods.
In surface flow visualization, ink is added to the flow so that it shears at the edges of the object under investigation. Tracers like chalk or coal are used in particle tracer methods; the tracers are lit to reveal the fluid flow pattern. Optical methods are however not as simple as they are displayed as shadowgraphs or using interferometers. This project aims at developing a straight forward, simple, inexpensive and dependable fluid visualization technique.
The developed technique will be targeted at universities and community colleges so they can assist students in fluid flow analysis and simulation projects. This will have a positive impact on education and research. College students will have a simple way of analyzing fluid flows and this could encourage research into the fields of aerodynamics and fluid mechanics. The projects’ accomplishment will be to display fluid flow patterns around objects to demonstrate turbulence and separation.
Some of the reasons that make fluid flow visualization important in experimentation include:
- It helps perceive fluid flow around prototypes of actual real objects without the more complicated use of calculations. The objects in question could be airplanes, water vessels or even missiles. Smaller equipment in fluid flow visualization will also encourage the use of prototypes instead of expensive actual size objects in experimental analysis.
- It helps create a basis and motivation for the creation of new, better and improved theories in the field of Fluid Mechanics. Fluid flow visualization is exciting to watch and creative minds are bound to develop interest in it and come up with improved theories.
- It helps test newly developed theories or models in Fluid Mechanics. This is done by comparing fluid visualization situation results and results obtained from mathematical computations. This can then be used to verify whether the model or design is effective or not.
Objectives
The objective of the project will be to make the project work and be viable for use in fluid visualization and to make it effective yet simple and easy to use. It is expected to make fluid visualization an easy and exciting task for Community college and University students. This project will also be made as affordable as possible to the target market and demonstration of how it works will be done at Fluid Mechanics classes.
Once the above objectives have been achieved and the model built, it is expected that the project will be used in flow visualization that would be important to Fluid Mechanics in the following ways:
- Testing theoretical models that are continually being developed. Flow illustrated by a model is compared to that demonstrated by the real fluid situation. To find out how accurate the model is, the flow is visualized and a mathematical computation of the same done.If the results by the two methods compare, then it can be used as a basis for verification.
- For use in design optimization and testing of new designs. Fluid flow visualization is a powerful tool in the design of all objects that move in any form of fluid. It is used extensively in the design of vehicles, water vessels and airplanes. Prototypes of these objects are built and used to demonstrate fluid flow because they are a lot cheaper to use and produce reliable results from which sound inferences can be made.
Method
A prototype of the project will be built and improvements made so that it meets the needs of target users (Community College and university students). It will be improved to make it smaller, more effective, easier to use and more economically viable.
Resources
The resources needed for the project will be provided by the Engineering technology department. Metal carts from the department laboratory will also be used in development of the project. Any additional materials needed for the completion of the project, in terms of building it, will all be provided by the department. On the day of demonstration, the department will also provide equipment to facilitate that.
Qualifications
I am equipped with the necessary qualifications to work on this project because I am an Engineering student majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology. I have acquired the necessary skills to fabricate the project.
Cost/Benefit Analysis
The project is expected to be a low cost project because of the smaller size, simplicity and use of inexpensive readily available materials. Given its projected low cost and the benefits that it is expected to bring forth as outlined under objectives, the project is definitely economically viable and worth investing in both in terms of finances and time.