Fluid Dynamics

PIV-laser Based Measurement of Industrial and Biological Fluid Flows

Project description: Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is an advanced method for measuring the velocity field in complex flows. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Particle_image_velocimetry It uses a pulsed laser and digital cameras, and digital image processing to extract the velocity field. The UC Mech Eng PIV group built the first PIV system in New Zealand. It is used currently to probe complex fluid mechanic behaviour in mechanically assisted breathing and human arterial bloodflow. The PIV research group has developed advanced methods for rapid fabrication of scaled physical models of complex flow systems. The successful candidate will join the group and work on developing the technique further, developing analysis software (currently written in MATLAB), developing test rigs and making measurements in scale models of human arteries (in work supporting treatment and prevention of stroke and arterial disease), measurements in the human airway with novel assisted ventilation devices, and in supersonic unsteady under expanded jets used in thin film manufacturing processes. Field of study This project suits a graduate in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering or physics.

Aerodynamic Optimisation of the Windflow 500 Blade Theoretical modelling and dynamic simulation of variable fill hydraulic dynamometers. Vibration isolating ambulance stretcher suspension Finite element modelling pavement-induced tyre vibration and noise

Application of Lightweight Metal Foams to Helmet Design

Experimental Heat Transfer and Fluid Dynamics in Unsteady Low-Pressure CVD Reactor
Supervisor Dr. Susan Krumdieck Degree Masters or PhD Project Description An innovative thin film deposition process has been developed. The process uses Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) to deposit a very thin layer (<100 mm) of a ceramic material on a metal part or other substrate material. This technology can be used to fabricate Solar Photovoltaic Cells, Fuel Cells, and protective and Thermal Barrier Coatings. It is also being explored for MEMS. The new part of the process is how the precursor chemicals are delivered to the reaction chamber. (This is the Mechanical Engineering part of what sounds a lot like Chemical Engineering) The liquid chemical precursor is sprayed, using an ultrasonic atomizer, into a vacuum chamber in a short pulse. The reactor is then pumped down to vacuum to start the cycle over again. Field of Study Heat Transfer, Heater Design, Design Data, Experimental Process Development.