The innovation engine for new materials

Fernando Corona

Major: 

Mechanical Engineering

Mentor(s): 

A. Cazabat
H. Mayer

Faculty Sponsor(s): 

R. Krechetnikov

Faculty Sponsor's Department(s): 

Mechanical Engineering

Project Title: 

EQUIPMENT FOR THE ATOMIZATION OF A LIQUID DROPLET BY AN ELECTROMAGNETIC SHOCK WAVE

Project Description: 

In this study we build tools that can be applied toward fundamental fluid mechanics research and will be necessary in the near future for experiments involving the atomization of a liquid droplet by an electromagnetic shockwave. To capture this phenomenon of atomization, we will also build a camera triggering unit capable of taking high-resolution photos in microseconds. In order to produce the shockwave for atomization, it is necessary that we fabricate two devices: a Triggered High Voltage Unit (THVU) and an Electromagnetic Shock Wave Generator (ESWG). Contained in the THVU are high-voltage components that serve as a high-energy source, while the ESWG contains conductive materials, specifically a copper spiral coil and an aluminum membrane, located above the coil. Current discharged from a capacitor within the THVU passes through the spiral coil and induces a magnetic field on the membrane. The interaction of the magnetic fields from the spiral coil and the membrane cause the membrane to deflect. This nearly instantaneous deflection ultimately atomizes a droplet placed on the surface of the membrane. As the capacitor discharges, a sensor detects the magnetic field around the current carrying wire, and supplies a signal to a delay unit. Varying the time delay from the delay unit is vital in transmitting the voltage signal to trigger the camera in order to photograph the high-speed atomization. Herein we report our progress towards the design and fabrication of the Triggered High Voltage Unit, Electromagnetic Shock Wave Generator, and camera triggering unit.