Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Flows encountered in nature are exposed to spatial modulations. Roughness patterns (surface topography) represent one of the possible sources of modulations; patterns of lakes and woods that give rise to temperature modulations due to different heating rates represent another possible source. All such modulations represent flow actuations, a concept used in control theory.   Flow actuations can be manufactured artificially. There were many different devices used. Some examples are moving pistons, synthetic jets, and plasma actuators. Other devices include piezoelectric pistons and heated wires. This proposal wants to find out how different patterns of actuations can affect flow.   Flow actuations, when designed correctly, can add useful features to the flow. The proposed work aims to achieve three goals. The first goal is to decrease flow resistance and save energy. Our second goal is to develop new ways to move things without using pumps or turbines. Our third goal is to enhance mixing without losing energy or causing more resistance to flow.   This project's goal can be restated as developing strategies for managing flows using patterns. The aim is to make flows more effective while using less energy. So, we're focusing on weak actuations. These are small bumps, slight temperature changes, a little blowing through the wall, and small surface vibrations. We aim to determine which can create chaotic mixing and extract energy from moving fluids and which can reduce flow losses. We need to identify patterns that work and understand how to use them.   The expected results will help develop new devices. The aerospace, energy, and processing industries will benefit. Weather and forest fire predictions will improve.