Our current research interest centers on the application of image processing and analysis to a number of important chemical engineering problems. The work is at the forefront of today's research in fluid mechanics and other areas where information can be gained by visualization methods. We have state-of-the-art video-based image processing systems. These are fully automated for use in reducing both film or video taped material. The image analysis codes are Windows-based and have been developed to simultaneously track a thousand particles in stereo views. These tracks subsequently can be used to evaluate time-resolved, full-field, velocity vector information for the flow field under investigation. The main application of our imaging facilities are for research on mixing in both fluid and solid-liquid systems. Additional work is underway on coherent structures in turbulent shear flows, experimental simulation of blood flow in an aortic system, and polymer void structures in composite materials. The research on mixing involves the interactions that exist between turbulence mixing and complex chemical reactions. Of particular interest is the effect of turbulent motion and mixing on the selectivity of complex reactions. Such efforts are the basis for new studies on improved dynamic chemical reactors for reduced emissions generation. The turbulence research on coherent structures is directed toward establishing the basic mechanisms involved in turbulent flow transport. Our goal is to establish the actual flow so that realistic models of these complex processes can be made. The work in biomedical and polymeric systems involves specific projects that attempt to use the unique ability of visual studies to understand the basic mechanisms involved in such processes. |