Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Measurements of velocity and turbulence are required to properly model both internal and external flows. These include flow in rivers, effluent discharge of wastewater, flow past buildings, etc. In most cases, these flows are three dimensional and turbulent, which means the mixing is largely due to small scale chaotic behaviour of the fluid where the velocity fields are varying in space and time. The ability to model these flows and the associated transport phenomena is of critical importance in many applications. Research in the above areas is in progress at the University of Windsor and significant contributions have been made over the last 15 years using a laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV) system. Velocity data acquired from the LDV system have provided valuable information for complementary validation of computational models of complex flow fields. The LDV was the principal tool used in many graduate theses.******The LDV system at University of Windsor was purchased in 2003. It was our workhorse and a large number of HQP were trained in the use of the system for over 15 years. Currently the LDV system is obsolete due to the complete deterioration of the system. The air-cooled laser has been replaced twice in the past in 2006 and 2009, and is no longer in operation. In 2012, after a decade of extensive usage, the software was updated to comply with the newer computer operating system. Now the lack of availability of hardware components compatible with modern computer operating systems has also become an issue. Over the years, the fiber optic cables have deteriorated and the processor used to extract the data has perished. The manufacturer has indicated that replacement parts are not available and some of the parts, if available are very expensive. Our previous two RTI applications related to the LDV were not funded and the need for funding cannot be over-emphasized.******The proposed equipment grant is requested to support the replacement of the now defunct LDV system. Funds are sought for a new LDV system that is capable of resolving two velocity components and facilitate measurements in air and water. There is an immediate need for purchasing this system as our students from two departments need the LDV capability. Availability of the LDV technology is critically important in the investigation of turbulence structure of free surface flows, 3D jets, wakes and fluid-structure interaction. In the immediate future, the equipment will be used in the following projects: Experimental study of self-aerated free surface flows (2 PhD, 2 MASc); energy exchange between flapping/bending structures (2 MASc); scour studies (1 PDF); cooling applications of impinging jets (1 PhD); bed roughness in open channels (1 PhD). As in the past, the capability to conduct the above studies will enhance our ability to procure additional funding from industrial research partners in Windsor.*****