NEAR WALL SHEAR STRESS MODIFICATION USING AN ACTIVE PIEZOELECTRIC NANOWIRE SURFACE

Author

Christopher R. Guskey, University of KentuckyFollow

Date Available

12-12-2013

Year of Publication

2013

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

College

Engineering

Department/School/Program

Mechanical Engineering

Advisor

Dr. Sean Bailey

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted to explore the possible application of dynamically actuated nanowires to effectively disturb the wall layer in fully developed, turbulent channel flow. Actuated nanowires have the potential to be used for the mixing and filtering of chemicals, enhancing convective heat transfer and reducing drag. The first experimental evidence is presented suggesting it is possible to manipulate and subsequently control turbulent flow structures with active nanowires. An array of rigid, ultra-long (40 μm) TiO₂ nanowires was fabricated and installed in the bounding wall of turbulent channel flow then oscillated using an attached piezoelectric actuator. Flow velocity and variance measurements were taken using a single sensor hot-wire with results indicating the nanowire array significantly influenced the flow by increasing the turbulent kinetic energy through the entire wall layer.

Recommended Citation

Guskey, Christopher R., "NEAR WALL SHEAR STRESS MODIFICATION USING AN ACTIVE PIEZOELECTRIC NANOWIRE SURFACE" (2013). Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical Engineering. 27.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/me_etds/27