Clustering of Rigid Fibers in a Conical Taylor-Couette Flow

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Live Poster Session: Zoom Link
Thursday, July 30th 1:15-2:30pm EDT

Riley Vail-Rhodes
Riley Vail-Rhodes

Riley Vail-Rhodes is a rising sophomore (’23). Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, she graduated high school at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School. Her interests include writing and performing music on cello and guitar, reading fiction and poetry to practice her Spanish and Italian comprehension, and knitting. She plans to double major in Astronomy and Physics, and hopes to pursue a doctorate in these fields after graduation.

Abstract: Suspensions of non-spherical particles in fluid flows are present in a number of natural and industrial processes, including blood flow in the human vascular system, ice crystal motion in atmospheric clouds, and the optimization of pulp- and paper-making techniques. However, a more fundamental theoretical framework for predicting the behavior of suspensions of fibers in fluid flow has remained elusive. Our group has developed an apparatus which allows for three-dimensional imaging of particles throughout the volume of a turbulent shear flow. Early experiments have revealed a phenomenon where fibers spontaneously group into high-concentration, traveling clusters. Using this phenomenon, we aim to contribute to the many research communities studying fiber suspensions by measuring the 3D orientation and movement of fibers at higher concentrations, which will allow for improved models of these flows.

Poster-Session-Final-Riley-Vail-Rhodes

Live Poster Session: Zoom Link
Thursday, July 30th 1:15-2:30pm EDT

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