Projects

PIV/PlIF

Particle Image Velocimetry and Planar Laser Induced Florescence are non intrusive methods for quantitative measurements of flow. In PIV, movement of the particles being carried by a fluid flow results in calculation of velocity vectors. Different types of dyes can be used for PLIF which can give a measure of different fluid phases, varying temperature, or different species in reaction. Both methods use laser optics and image processing.

Prof. Olsen has worked with founders of these methods and throughout past years, his research group have developed the knowledge and expertise to carry out a broad range of experiments.

Fluidized Bed

Fluidized bed reactors have application in catalytic reactions for different types of plants in different petroleum and biologic industries. We are trying to use simultaneous PIV/PlIF to quantitatively measure flow and temperature fields in such a reactor. Our test involves liquid-solid two phase flow. Reaching inside the pores of a fluidized bes for extracting data has been impractical yet. We will use the technique of matching index of refraction of fluid and particles in order to collect data from inside the pores.

Multi Inlet Vortex Mixer

In production of nano particles, certain conditions need to be maintained for a reaction in order to keep the products within the required size. This would generally be achieved by a relatively fast mixing of reactants and swift purge of product to prevent agglomeration for the most part. Our research group has already done different experiment with a micro MIVM in the past. In a pursuit of scaling up the facilities for larger amount of production, we are extending our knowledge by developing a macro MIVM using the same concepts. We will investigate fluid flow and reaction using SPIV and Reactive PLIF in this reactor.

Taylor Couette Flow

Flow of a fluid between rotating cylinders is a well known concept in fluid mechanics. This type of reactor is being used in algae growth application in our labs in which a second phase fluid is injected from the bottom of the reactor. We are setting out to gather precise data of bubble shape and transport in such a flow regime. The idea is to use to immiscible fluids with the same index of refraction inside a reactor so that we can prevent distortion of laser sheet and image due to the bubble shape. a fluorescence dye in the bubbling phase would enable us to use PLIF for distinguishing the two phases.

Diesel Combustion

Simulation of a Diesel engine combustion merely is a matter of simulating fuel sprays in the cylinder. A multi-zone spray simulation which is used for 1-D numerical engine model was developed. Such models are used for overall engine performance investigations. Later, a colleague incorporated a soot formation model in the same code.

Other experiences

I have been involved in Diesel engine research for a long time during and after master's studies. Developing a zonal combustion model and doing research in variety of different aspects in engine industry. I have been closely involved in CFD projects in different research groups. I also did an experimental project investigating convection heat transfer with a colleague and friend for my bachelor's degree.