Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

An ultra-fast ultrasound system capable of plane-wave imaging is requested in support of several parallel research projects pertaining to the investigation of complex fluid dynamics using Lagrangian particle tracking. Lagrangian pathline information enables us to calculate time-varying pressure fields, estimate entrainment, and properly characterize interactions within dense suspensions. Typically, fluid physics is measured via optical techniques using a laser and cameras that are inhibited by opaque or translucent test-sections and fluids. Ultrasound imaging does not suffer from the same limitation and opens a new range of experiments, including in vivo flow tracking and fluid-structure interactions. However, the majority of the ultrasound systems on the market are limited to frame rates below 200Hz. Acquisition of the requested system will lift any restrictions from our fluid dynamic experiments by drastically increasing the frame rate to 100,000Hz using plane-wave technology. The new system will enable the investigation of high Reynolds number, multi-phase flows through complex and flexible geometries. As one of the first engineering laboratories in Canada to work with this state-of-the-art ultrasound system we are confident that we will position ourselves amongst leading fluid dynamics researchers around the globe. Therefore, considering the rapid changes in Lagrangian data reconstruction occurring now, an opportunity for significant and lasting impact will be possible with the ultrasound system requested here.