Determination of velocity profile during two-phase flows inside macro-scale channels through particle image velocimetry (PIV)

• Grant number: 12/09459-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2012
• End date: August 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Transport Phenomena
• Principal Investigator: Gherhardt Ribatski
• Grantee: Jéssika de Oliveira Alves
• Supervisor: Timothy A. Shedd
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 10/20690-3 - Characterization of the entrainment and liquid film during annular flow of halocarbon refrigerants in micro-scale channels, BP.IC

Abstract

This internship proposal has the goal of providing to the undergraduate the opportunity of learning advanced techniques for the study of two-phase flow and flow boiling inside macro-scale channels (equivalent diameter higher than 3mm). After her return to Brazil, the knowledge developed during the internship will be considered in her research in EESC-USP concerning the investigation of liquid films during annular flows in micro-scale channels. The study will be conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under the supervision of Prof. Shedd, who is a world-wide known professor and researcher in the area of instrumentation and two-phase flow measurements. The internship will cover a period of two month, beginning in July 1st, 2012. The research will be carried on in order to obtain velocity profiles within thin films during annular flow inside macro-scale channels using a low-cost PIV technique developed by Prof. Shedd. The experiments will be performed in an operational test facility available in the laboratory of Prof. Shedd. For the development of the study, the image analyses will be performed based on the routines and procedures for image analyses developed by Prof. Shedd. This internship has also the purpose of giving the possibility to an excellent student (average mark of 9) to develop living and professional experiences in an outstanding University abroad. This experience will be extremely positive in case of the student decide for the continuity of her studies through master and doctorate courses. (AU)