Date of Award

Spring 5-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Thomas Adams

Second Advisor

Donald Richards

Third Advisor

David Goulet

Abstract

At small length scales, such as in micro-nozzles, the assumption that a shock wave is infinitesimally thin breaks-down due to the thickness of the shock being non-negligible compared to the dimensions of the nozzle. In this thesis, shock waves of finite thickness, or “shock-plugs,” are modeled using the same methods and assumptions as a standard shock wave analysis. Due to the finite thickness of shock-plugs, however, two additional parameters are required in order to account for the differing inlet and exit areas, as well as the pressure on the side walls of the channel. A “typical” micro-nozzle with appropriate dimensions is considered to investigate the effects of these new parameters. It is found that the assumptions made in this model do not constrain shock thickness, and that a shock-plug of any thickness can exist inside of a nozzle for given values of inlet total properties and back pressure. Furthermore, analysis of the pressure on the side walls in the shock-plug model suggests that entropy generation within both shock-plugs and shock waves is best thought of as being due to unrestrained expansion as opposed to internal friction or temperature gradients, as it is more commonly held. Keywords: shock-plug, shock wave, compressible flow, microflows, microfluidics

Comments

DEDICATION To the hubris of a young man.

AKNOWLEDGMENTS I want to thank my friends, family, and the staff at Rose-Hulman. I could not have come this far without all of your love and support.

Download

Share

COinS