A two-dimensional model was developed to predict concentration profiles
from passive, laminar mixing of concentration layers formed in a fractal-like
merging channel network. Both flat and parabolic velocity profiles were used in
the model. A physical experiment was used to confirm the results of the model.
Concentration profiles were acquired in the channels using laser induced
fluorescence. The degree of mixing was defined and used to quantify the mixing in
the test section. Although the results of the experiment follow the trend predicted
by the two-dimensional model, the model under predicts the results of the
experiment. A three-dimensional CFD model of the flow field in the channel
network was used to explain the discrepancies between the two-dimensional model
and the experiment.
For the channel network considered, the degree of mixing is a function of
Peclet number. The effect of geometry on the degree of mixing is investigated
using the two-dimensional model by varying the flow length, the width of the inlet
channels, and the number of branching levels. A non-dimensional parameter is
defined and used to predict an optimum number of branching levels to maximize
mixing for a fixed inlet channel width, total length, and channel depth. / Graduation date: 2003
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/32377 |
| Date | 07 April 2003 |
| Creators | Enfield, Kent E. |
| Contributors | Pence, Deborah V. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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