Date of Award
2014
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MS)
College, School or Department Name
Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
Advisor
Jeffrey S. Allen
Abstract
Surface tension forces are significant at millimeter length-scales, causing profoundly different flow morphologies in microchannels than in macroscale flows. The existence and morphology of thin liquid films is particularly relevant for predicting performance and operational stability of devices containing microscale two phase flows. Analytical, computational, and experimental methods previously employed in the study of thin liquid films are discussed. Thicknesses before and after a novel film morphology, referred to as a `shock,' are measured with a novel film thickness measurement technique that uses confocal microscopy. Film thicknesses predicted by previous work are compared to experimental results. Methods for increasing the accuracy of the confocal film thickness measurement technique are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Deisenroth, David C., "Thickness measurement of dynamic thin liquid films generated by plug-annular flow in non-wetting microchannels", Master's Thesis, Michigan Technological University, 2014.