Gas and Vapor Bubbles in Confined Spaces

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract CTS-9987765 Andrea Prosperetti, Johns Hopkins University The PI and co-PI's will execute a theoretical and experimental study of the dynamics of gas and vapor bubbles in confined liquid-filled spaces such as small channels, semi-enclosed chambers, and others. The motivation for the work consists in the possible application of bubbles in microfluidic systems such as pumps, valves, actuators and others. The strong potential of bubbles for these applications consists in their intrinsic simplicity, short time scale, and high power density. Among others, they offer the advantage of actuation without mechanical moving parts and the ability to convert acoustic into mechanical energy. Several experiments designed to highlight the fundamental properties of such systems will be conducted and mathematical/numerical models for their simulation will be developed. The proposed investigation is considered to be a prime example of transferring somewhat classical understanding and approaches to a new environment where the reduced length scales will be expressed in new behaviors.