Investigation of Flow on Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Surfaces
Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Jeremy Niemiec, Junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Jeremy Niemiec
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Birce Dikici
Abstract
An investigation into the effects of hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces on fluid flow. With hydrophobic surfaces there is a small air cushion preventing the fluid from contacting the surface. High viscosity fluids result in a larger air gap on top of hydrophobic surfaces. While the lower viscosity fluid will still flow faster, the high viscosity fluids can move faster. When small capillary tubes are coated in a hydrophobic surface the resulting effect is that high viscosity fluids can move faster than lower viscosity fluids for a given pressure. Given the importance of fluid flows through small diameter tubes in applications such as biomedical devices, oil extraction, and cooling systems the ability to move fluids faster with less internal turbulence could have major effects. With faster flowing fluids at lower pressures and less internal turbulence many new applications are now possible utilizing select forms of hydrophobic or hydrophilic surfaces to affect fluid flow through small diameter pipes.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Investigation of Flow on Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Surfaces
An investigation into the effects of hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces on fluid flow. With hydrophobic surfaces there is a small air cushion preventing the fluid from contacting the surface. High viscosity fluids result in a larger air gap on top of hydrophobic surfaces. While the lower viscosity fluid will still flow faster, the high viscosity fluids can move faster. When small capillary tubes are coated in a hydrophobic surface the resulting effect is that high viscosity fluids can move faster than lower viscosity fluids for a given pressure. Given the importance of fluid flows through small diameter tubes in applications such as biomedical devices, oil extraction, and cooling systems the ability to move fluids faster with less internal turbulence could have major effects. With faster flowing fluids at lower pressures and less internal turbulence many new applications are now possible utilizing select forms of hydrophobic or hydrophilic surfaces to affect fluid flow through small diameter pipes.