CAREER: The Effect of Clean and Contaminated Free Surfaces on Turbulence and Gas Transfer at an Air-Water Interface: An Integrated Research and Educational Program

Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract CTS-0093794 E. Cowen, Cornell University The PI proposes an integrated research and educational program to examine the effect of air-water interface contamination on turbulence and gas transfer. Gas exchange processes across interfaces are fundamental to environmental, biological, and industrial fluid mechanics. Experiments will be conducted in a water tank with grid generated turbulence with and without surfactants. Velocity and CO2 concentration will be measured by digital particle tracking velocimetry (DPTV) and Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) techniques to obtain the vortical transport of fluid and flux of CO2 at the interface. The ultimate goal is to use the experimental data to develop an analytical model for gas transfer at the interface.