Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Canterbury, 2007. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 60-64). Also available via the World Wide Web.

In this thesis we use density functional theory (DFT) to study the solvent mediated interactions between solvophobic, solvophilic and patchy nanostructures namely rectangular cross section blocks. We calculate both the density profiles and local compressibility around the blocks and the results obtained for our model system provide a means to understanding the basic physics of solvent mediated interactions between nanostructures, and between objects such as proteins in water, that possess hydrophobic and hydrophilic patches. Our results give an improved understanding of the behaviour of liquids around solvophobic objects and solvophobicity (hydrophobicity) in general. Secondly, we look into the physics incorporated in standard mean-field DFT. This is normally derived by making what appears to be a rather drastic approximation for the two body density distribution function: ρ(2)(r,r′) ≈ ρ(r)ρ(r′), where ρ(r) is the one-body density distribution function. We provide a rationale for why the DFT often does better than this approximation would make you expect. Finally, we develop a lattice model to understand the nature of the pattern formation exhibited by certain systems of particles deposited on liquid-air interfaces and in particular the nature of the transitions between the different patterned structures that are observed. This is done using Monte Carlo computer simulations and DFT and links the observed microphase ordering with the micellisation process seen e.g. in surfactant systems.

Richtmyer-Meshkov instability is studied in shock tube experiments with an Atwood number of 0.7. The interface is formed in a vertical shock tube using opposed gas flows, and three-dimensional random initial interface perturbations are generated by the vertical oscillation of gas column producing Faraday waves. Planar Laser Mie scattering is used for flow visualization and for measurements of the mixing process. Experimental image sequences are recorded at 6 kHz frequency and processed to obtain the time dependent variation of the integral mixing layer width. Measurements of the mixing layer width are compared with Mikaelian's [1] model in order to extract the growth exponent. where a fairly wide range of values is found varying from theta approximate to 0.2 to 0.6.

No description available.

D. Tech. Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering / This study provides experimental data and new perspectives on selective precipitation of platinum group metals (PGMs) in the presence of base metals while at the same time reviewing the mass transfer characteristics and models associated with metal sulphides precipitation in liquid-liquid and gas-liquid systems. In this study, the objective was to investigate and validate the concept of selective precipitation of platinum from chloride media using sulphur-bearing liquids or gases.

No description available.

L’étude du transfert de masse turbulent aux interfaces gaz-liquide est d’un grand intérêt dans de nombreuses applications environnementales et industrielles. Bien que ce problème soit étudié depuis de nombreuses années, sa compréhension n’est pas encore suffisante pour la création de modèles de transfert de masse réalistes (de type RANS ou LES sous maille), en particulier en présence d’une phase liquide à rhéologie complexe. Ce travail expérimental a pour but l’étude des aspects fondamentaux du transfert de masse turbulent à une interface plane horizontale entre du dioxyde de carbone gazeux et une phase liquide newtonienne ou non, agitée par une turbulence homogène quasi isotrope. Les milieux liquides non newtoniens étudiés sont des solutions aqueuses d’un polymère dilué à des concentrations variables et aux propriétés viscoélastiques et rhéofluidifiantes. Deux méthodes de mesure optiques permettant l’obtention du champ de vitesse de la phase liquide (SPIV) et de concentration du gaz dissout (I-PLIF) sont couplées tout en maintenant une haute résolution spatiale, afin de déduire les statistiques de vitesse et de concentration couplées dans les premiers millimètres sous la surface. Une nouvelle version de I-PLIF est développée pour les mesures en proche surface. Elle peut également s’appliquer dans différentes études de transfert de masse. La turbulence de fond est générée par un dispositif de grille oscillante. Les mécanismes de production et les caractéristiques de la turbulence sont étudiés. L’importance de la composante oscillante de la turbulence est discutée, et un phénomène d’amplification de l’écoulement moyen est mis en évidence. Les mécanismes du transfert de masse turbulent à l’interface sont finalement observés pour l’eau et une solution de polymère dilué à faible concentration. L’analyse conditionnelle des flux de masse turbulent permet de mettre en évidence les évènements contribuant au transfert de masse et de discuter de leur impact relatif sur le transfert total. / The study of turbulence induced mass transfer at the interface between a gas and a liquid is of great interest in many environmental phenomena and industrial processes. Even though this issue has already been studied for several decades, its understanding is still not good enough to create realistic models (RANS or sub-grid LES), especially when considering a liquid phase with a complex rheology. This experimental work aims at studying fundamental aspects of turbulent mass transfer at a flat interface between carbon dioxide and a Newtonian or non-Newtonian liquid, stirred by homogeneous and quasi isotropic turbulence. Non-Newtonian fluids studied are aqueous solutions of a model polymer, Xanthan gum (XG), at various concentrations, showing viscoelastic and shear-thinning properties. Optical techniques for the acquisition of the liquid phase velocity field (Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry, SPIV) and dissolved gas concentration field (Inhibited Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence, I-PLIF) are for the first time coupled, keeping a high spatial resolution, to access velocity and concentration statistics in the first few millimetres under the interface. A new version of I-PLIF is developed. It is designed to be more efficient for near surface measurements, but its use can be generalized to other single or multiphase mass transfer situations. Bottom shear turbulence in the liquid phase is generated by an oscillating grid apparatus. The mechanisms of turbulence production and the characteristics of oscillating grid turbulence (OGT) are studied. The importance of the oscillatory component of turbulence is discussed. A mean flow enhancement effect upon polymer addition is evidenced. The mechanisms of turbulent mass transfer at a flat interface are finally observed in water and low concentration polymer solutions. A conditional analysis of turbulent mass fluxes allows to distinguish the type of events contributing to mass transfer and discuss their respective impact in water and polymer solutions.