Thermofluids
For over 25 years we have investigated multi-phase gas-liquid systems in both fundamental and industrially relevant applications. We have experience of high-speed imaging and laser diagnostic techniques as well as conventional instrumentation to obtain quantitative and qualitative data. We have investigated a wide range of flows relevant to transmissions systems, such as bearings and gears, including optimising geometry and flow conditions to remove losses, and have investigated full bearing chambers capturing film and droplet information using in house developed techniques for analysis.
Gas-Liquid Shearing Rig
The shearing rig is used to investigate fundamental flow physics on gas liquid interfaces.Liquid and gas flow rates and temperatures can be controlled independently to createa wide range of flow conditions which are relevant to many industrial applications.Visualisation and laser analytics are used to gather flow field data and understand thecomplex phenomena.
Key Features:
- 2m rectangular acrylic andglass duct test section for flowvisualisation and laser analysis
- Visualisation of gas/liquid interface
Instrumentation and DAQ:
- Brightness-Based Laser Induced Fluorescence (BBLIF) capabilities
- Simultaneous Particle ImageVelocimetry (PIV) and Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (P-LIF)
- Temperature and flow controlfor both liquid and gas.
Evaporation Rig
This rig is used to investigate evaporation behaviour of different hydrocarbons, oils, and fuels in a shearing air flow. High speed visualisation is coupled with temperature and flow measurements to gain a deeper understanding into evaporation processes.
Key Features:
- Honeycomb smoothed hot air flow
- Footprint: ~1m x 0.5m x 0.5m
- Localised humidity measurements
Instrumentation and DAQ:
- Pressure and temperature measurements along test area.
- Air flowrate measurements
- Simultaneous data acquisition through PXI module
Elasto-Hydrodynamic Lubrication Rig
The non-contact test rig is used to investigate oil behaviour and mechanisms of heatgeneration under high load. Visualisation and film thickness measurements allow thebehaviour of oil in a partial journal bearing to be quantified, along with pressures andtemperatures in the film. The experimental data gathered from this facility is used innovel numerical models model to predict behaviour under a wide range ofrepresentative conditions.
Key Features:
- 100mm diameter half-bush test piece
- Radial clearance: 100 μm
- Diametrical clearance: 200 μm
- Uniform pressure loadingthrough hydrostatic piston
Instrumentation and DAQ:
- Temperature, pressure, and film thickness measurements over whole contact region
- Utilises the 2STF facilities