Masters/PhD Opportunity: Study of Turbulent Single-Phase and Two-Phase Flows with Polymer Drag Reduction

Project Details

The addition of small amounts of long-chain polymer molecules to internal turbulent single-phase flows can result in significant drag reduction. In gas-liquid two-phase flows, the expected magnitude of the drag reductions is smaller. However, even smaller levels of drag reduction are potentially relevant for operating two-phase flow pipelines.

In this research, the effect of drag-reducing polymers on single-phase and two-phase flows will be addressed experimentally through observation of variations in flow patterns, measurements of statistical characteristics of the gas-liquid flows and observation of turbulent structures near the wall. To this end, standard and advanced techniques will be employed in flows in circular pipes or square ducts.

The thesis work will consist, in principle, of the following steps:

– Bibliographic update

– Adaptation of the experimental test bench

– Implementation of standard and advanced measurement techniques

– Measurement of relevant characteristics of the flows with and without polymers

– Processing of raw data and physical analysis of the results

– Preparation of thesis manuscript

 

Prerequisits

Students graduated in Mechanical Engineering or Physics, interested in at least one of the following fields of knowledge: fluid mechanics, optics, image processing, programming, and with good academic performance.

 

Scolarship

CAPES/Cnpq scolarship and possibility of supplementary grant.

 

Contact

Luis Fernando A. Azevedo – Lfaa@puc-rio.br  (21) 3527-1181

Fabio J. W. A. Martins – fabiomartins@puc-rio.br  (21) 3527-1168