Replacement of the new wave research solo PIV Nd:YAG laser

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It has been a common practice to discharge water, wastewater and industrial effluents into open channels such as rivers.  The ability to model these flow systems and the associated transport is of critical importance in understanding the environmental impact of such discharges.  Amongst industrial processes, spray technology has a wide range of applications and efforts to increase efficiency (for e.g., combustion in the case of fuel sprays or reduction in drift in the case of agrochemicals or paint sprays) will lead to economic & environmental benefits.  In most cases, the flows are turbulent, which means the mixing is largely due to small-scale chaotic behaviour of the fluid.  To better understand and control the above mentioned flows/processes, knowledge of the velocity field and particle size is an essential ingredient.  Research in this area is in progress at the University of Windsor using laser based non-intrusive instrumentaion such as the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV).  In addition, PIV can be very helpful in particle size characterization, and flow visualization by means of light induced fluorescence. Amongst immediate applications, an innovative physio-chemical process has been recently developed at the University for the treatment of combined sewer overflow.     The proposed equipment grant is requested to support the replacement of the failed laser in the PIV system in order to make the system operable.  Further a higher power laser (120 mJ/pulse) is being sought to replace the 50 mJ/pulse laser.  This will: (i) enhance the quality of the velocity data being acquired, (ii) be able to measure smaller particle size in spray studies and (iii) enhance flow visualization using planar light induced fluorescence.  There is an immediate need for this upgrading as five students from two departments need the upgraded system.  In the immediate future, the equipment will be used in the following projects: effect of roughness in open channel flows, (2 PhD students, applicant's Discovery grant), mixing in treatment systems (1 MASc student) and intake studies (1 MASc student).  The capability to conduct spray studies (1 post-doc) will enhance our capability to procure additional funding from the automotive industry in Windsor.