The circular Taylor-Couette flow is one of the archetypical model systems for the study of flow transitions and dynamic pattern formation in experimental fluid dynamics. The emergence of the internal vortical flow structures are commonly visualized through a rheoscopic flow visualization, while their spatio-temporal dynamics can be extracted by the construction of a space-time diagram using a single camera. Although the latter is an effective method to map the various flow regimes for different inner and outer cylinder rotations, it suffers from limitations in the frame rate while the full extent of the azimuthal vortex structure along the circumference, together with its dynamic evolution through space and time, remains unclear. In this work, we perform the full 360-degree field of view panorama imaging for the rheoscopic flow visualization of the azimuthal vortex structure that wraps around the circumference. We use a set of 12 GoPro cameras that are commercially available and can be triggered remotely. We calibrate and position our cameras using methods from computer vision while we synchronize their audio channels at an inter-frame precision much greater than the frame rate. We unwrap the physical coordinates along the circumference of the outer cylinder through texture mapping its surface using a spatially weighted image interpolation and present a single representation of the azimuthal vortex structure from the rheoscopic flow visualization. We validate our methods within a submillimeter precision and showcase the application to study the steady-state and transient dynamics of a single- phase wavy vortex flow. Furthermore, we discuss the current limitations as we add neutrally buoyant PMMA particles at increasing volume fractions up to 30 %. Our methods allow us to fully decouple space and time, and study the dynamic pattern formation at bullet time accuracy. @en

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging velocimetry (UIV) refers to the technique wherein ultrasound images are analysed with 2D cross-correlation techniques developed originally in the framework of particle image velocimetry. Applying UIV to opaque, particle-laden multiphase flows have long been considered to be an attractive prospect. In this study, we demonstrate how fundamental differences in acoustical imaging, as compared to optical imaging, manifest themselves in the 2D cross-correlation analysis. A chief point of departure from conventional particle image velocimetry is the strong variation in the intensity profile of the acoustic wavefield, primarily caused by the attenuation of ultrasonic waves in particle-laden flows. Attenuation necessitates using a larger ensemble of correlation planes to obtain satisfactory time-averaged velocity profiles. For a given combination of imaging and flow conditions, attenuation sets upper limits on volume fraction, penetration depth, as well as temporal resolutions that may be accessed confidently. This behaviour is demonstrated in two experimental datasets and is also supported by a modified cross-correlation theory. The modification is brought about by incorporating a lumped model of ultrasonic backscattering in suspensions into existing spatial cross-correlation analysis. The two experimental datasets correspond to two distinct particle-laden pipe flows: (1) a neutrally buoyant non-Brownian suspension in a laboratory-scale flow facility, wherein particle sizes are comparable to the ultrasonic wavelength and (2) a non-Newtonian slurry in an industrial-scale flow facility, wherein particle sizes are much smaller than the ultrasonic wavelength. We illustrate how and to what extent correlation averaging can counteract the adversity caused by attenuation. The work herein offers a template for one to evaluate the performance of UIV in particle-laden flows. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].

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Suspensions are of interest for curiosity-driven as well as applied research. From a fundamental perspective, inertia of the particles or the system triggers different behaviour in suspension flows. From an experimental perspective, analyzing suspensions is challenging due to their inherent opacity. This dissertation details the author's experience with opaque inertial suspensions. This book touches upon diverse subjects, including influence of non-Brownian suspensions on Taylor-Couette and pipe flows as well as the flow of a non-Newtonian slurry in an industrial-scale pipeline. This thesis also demonstrates the extents to which ultrasound imaging is useful for suspension fluid mechanics.@en

We revisit the laminar–turbulent transition of a fine-grained slurry in a large pipe. The combination of long measurement times in an industrial-scale facility and ultrasound imaging allows us to observe and address anomalous trends. Under turbulent conditions, the flow is homogeneous and steady. However, under laminar conditions, two types of long-time-scale transient behaviours are captured. In the first scenario, the system has been homogenized, following which the flow rate is reduced to laminar conditions. The flow rate continues to gradually drop, while particles settle and form a stationary bed. In the second scenario, the system has been shut down for a prolonged period and the flow rate is slowly increased. The flow rate continues to rise while particles are slowly resuspended from the gradually eroding bed. Near the laminar–turbulent transition point, two types of intermittent structures are responsible for resuspension. The equilibrium phase, with steady flow rate, coincides with complete resuspension. These two long-time-scale transients correspond to the phenomena of ‘slow settling’ and ‘self-equilibration’, respectively. While the former can lead to shutdowns, the latter generates a stable system. Being aware of these phenomena is of relevance while operating slurry pipelines near the favourable operating point of the laminar–turbulent transition.@en

Abstract: We discuss empirical techniques to extract quantitative particle volume fraction profiles in particle-laden flows using an ultrasound transducer. A key step involves probing several uniform suspensions with varying bulk volume fractions from which two key volume fraction dependent calibration parameters are identified: the peak backscatter amplitude (acoustic energy backscattered by the initial layer of the suspension) and the amplitude attenuation rate (rate at which the acoustic energy decays with depth owing to scattering losses). These properties can then be used to reconstruct spatially varying particle volume fraction profiles. Such an empirical approach allows circumventing detailed theoretical models which characterize the interaction between ultrasound and suspensions, which are not universally applicable. We assess the reconstruction techniques via synthetic volume fraction profiles and a known particle-laden suspension immobilized in a gel. While qualitative trends can be easily picked up, the following factors compromise the quantitative accuracy: (1) initial reconstruction errors made in the near-wall regions can propagate and grow along the reconstruction direction, (2) multiple scattering can create artefacts which may affect the reconstruction, and (3) the accuracy of the reconstruction is very sensitive to the goodness of the calibration. Despite these issues, application of the technique to particle-laden pipe flows shows the presence of a core with reduced particle volume fractions in laminar flows, whose prominence reduces as the flow becomes turbulent. This observation is associated with inertia-induced radial migration of particles away from the pipe axis and is observed in flows with bulk volume fractions as high as 0.08. Even transitional flows with low levels of intermittency are not devoid of this depleted core. In conclusion, ultrasonic particle volume fraction profiling can play a key complementary role to ultrasound-based velocimetry in studying the internal features of particle-laden flows. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

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We extend upon the known flow transitions in neutrally buoyant particle-laden Taylor-Couette flows by accessing higher suspension Reynolds numbers in a geometry with radius ratio and aspect ratio. Flow transitions for several particle volume fractions () are investigated by means of flow visualization experiments, in a flow driven by a rotating inner cylinder. Despite higher effective ramp rates, we observe non-axisymmetric patterns, such as spirals, in the presence of particles. A novel observation in our experiments is the azimuthally localized wavy vortex flow, characterized by waviness present on a fraction of the otherwise axisymmetric Taylor vortices. The existence of this flow state suggests that in addition to the already established, destabilizing effect of particles, they may also inhibit the growth of instabilities. Flow topologies corresponding to higher-order transitions in particle-laden suspensions appear to be qualitatively similar to those observed in single-phase flows. A key difference, however, is the visible reduction in the appearance of a second, incommensurate frequency at higher particle loadings, which could have implications for the onset of chaos. Simultaneous torque measurements allow us to estimate an empirical scaling law between the Nusselt number (), the Taylor number () and the relative viscosity (. The scaling exponent of is non-trivially independent of the particle loading. Apparently, particles do not trigger a qualitative change in the nature of angular momentum transfer between the cylinders.@en

Ultrasound Imaging Velocimetry (UIV) is applied to a Taylor-Couette flow, for the case of pure inner cylinder rotation. By imaging a radial-azimuthal plane, two velocity components are obtained simultaneously in a two-dimensional plane. For the single-phase flow studies, Iriodin flakes (commonly used for visualizing flow structures) are used as “flow tracers” for the backscatter of ultrasound. This allows for a simultaneous mapping of the flow regime, via flow visualization, as well as extracting quantitative velocity information in the radial gap. After validating UIV against the analytically well-defined laminar Circular Couette flow as well as turbulent Taylor-Couette flow, other regimes are probed as well, in particular, the Wavy Vortex flow. Finally, the application of UIV to a particle-laden Taylor-Couette flow (particle volume fraction, f_0:01) is considered, under the conditions of oscillatory pure inner cylinder rotation. The results presented here serve as a proof-of-concept for the application of UIV to the Taylor-Couette flow and will be applied to denser particle-laden flows (f _ 0:05) in the future. @en

While laboratory experiments, numerical simulations as well as field tests have underlined the influence of noise barriers in dispersing vehicular emissions and reducing downwind peak concentrations, these pollutants still remain in the atmosphere. Artificial pollutant sinks (for example, particle capturing or toxic gas treating devices) installed on top of noise barriers can further alleviate this problem by eliminating the pollutants passing through it. However, it is not known how the installation of a semi-permeable pollutant sink affects the aerodynamics of the pollutants’ flow. By finding an optimal position and orientation for these sinks, the mass of the pollutants reaching the sink inlet can be maximized. Scaled down water tunnel experiments have been used to investigate the effectiveness of installing such a pollutant sink, of fixed dimensions, on top of a noise barrier adjacent to a highway. It is found that installing a sink is more beneficial on top of shorter barriers and that vertically elevating the sink, only slightly, can enhance its pollutant capturing performance. Using a sink in a ‘highway canyon’ (two noise barriers placed symmetrically with respect to the highway) must be done cautiously as there are several flow regimes observed, which are sensitive not only to the canyon aspect ratio (ratio between canyon width and height), but also to the presence/absence of the sink. The results here not only demonstrate the effectiveness of installing pollutant sinks on noise barriers, but also provide ballpark estimates on the optimal placement, orientation and performance of these devices, prior to field tests or even large-scale installation.

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A quantitative analysis of two imaging modalities, shadowgraphy and x-ray imaging, is presented in the framework of void fraction determination. The need for this arises from the fact that shadowgraphs are sometimes utilized to quantify void fraction profiles, which is an unproven method. Time-averaged x-ray images are used to evaluate the performance of the time-averaged shadowgraphs. The case of a cavitating flow through an axisymmetric converging-diverging nozzle ('venturi') is considered, for three separate cavitation numbers. The complex nature of the cavitating flow through the venturi manifests itself in the occurrence of three distinct regimes: a swarm of tiny bubbles; a large, coalesced cavity near the wall; and a drifting/collapsing cavity. The flow regime governs the performance of shadowgraphy for void fraction determination, with two of the three regimes deemed acceptable for shadowgraphy. The quantitative comparison exemplifies that sole reliance on shadowgraphy may lead one to draw improper conclusions on the void fraction distributions, even at a qualitative level.@en