Diagnostics of two-phase flows in microchannels

The aim of this project is to experimentally investigate the character of two-phase (gas/liquid) flow in microchannels. The mapping of different flow regimes will be performed for different microchannel configurations (e.g., channel crossing, T-junction, sudden expansion) and different model fluids (Newtonian, viscoelastic, pseudoplastic). The electrodiffusion method, an original experimental technique developed in our department, is used to determine the liquid flow in the near-wall region and to detect the characteristics of translating bubbles. The visualization experiments with a high-speed camera and the velocity field measurements with the mPIV technique will provide additional information about the flow structure in microchannels.

The candidate should have a Master’s degree in chemical engineering or a similar applied science field. He/she should have experimental skills for laboratory work and some basic knowledge of hydrodynamics. However, enthusiasm for independent scientific work is the most important requirement. The candidate will certainly benefit from our long experience in experimental (computer-controlled measurements with subsequent data processing in LabView) and theoretical (solving complex hydrodynamic problems in MatLab or Mathematica) fluid mechanics.

References:

Tabeling P.: Introduction to Microfluidics. Oxford University Press (2005)

Zhao C.X., Middelberg A.P.J.: Two-phase microfluidic flows. Chem.Eng.Sci. 66 (2011) 1394–1411