Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The funding requested is for replacement of an existing high-speed laser that serves as a primary component of a time-resolved Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system. This essential system is heavily used by the applicants for fluid velocity field measurements and flow visualization in a range of cutting-edge research applications. The system relies on high speed laser and digital imaging to measure flow velocity in a plane. The applicants have active research groups exploring topics ranging from laminar separation bubbles on airfoils for aerodynamic design of the next generation of micro air vehicles, to vortex impact events with deformable surfaces for energy harvesting to ultimately power distributed environmental sensors, to understanding the information flow in fluid-structure interaction problems as a novel tool for assessing how civil structures interact with one another in a windy environment, amongst other potential applications. All of these research topics, which are supported by national and international government and industrial funding, rely heavily on detailed resolution of the spatial and temporal evolution of the fluid velocity field to elucidate the underlying physics towards developing improved engineering solutions. Normal end-of-life-cycle degradation of the high speed laser power has reduced the output to less than 25% of its rated power output. Repair of the laser is nearly as expensive as replacing the existing laser with a new model through a trade-in option; as such, funding is requested for exchange of the laser, as there are likely other laser components that are nearing the end of their serviceable life. The limited performance of the current system is seriously hampering the training and progress of fifteen students and postdoctoral fellows, so that failure to implement the requested laser replacement will have drastic consequences on the progress of these graduate student projects. With the laser anticipated to become inoperable by the end of this year and no alternative equipment being available, even on a temporary basis, the overall consequences to the applicants research programs will be rather devastating. At the same time, the cost of repairs/replacement ($40k USD) well exceeds typical operating funds available for equipment maintenance.