arXiv subjects

Cameron Tropea

Publications and source records attributed to Cameron Tropea.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Entry and penetration of a superhydrophobic sphere into a deep pool

This study experimentally examines the entry and penetration of a superhydrophobic sphere into a quiescent deep pool, with special emphasis placed on the primary and secondary pinch-off of the air cavity existing in its wake. Two aspects are novel in this study. For one, the experiments are performed for a large range of dimensionless sphere densities, where lighter spheres, with their air cavity, exhibit a terminally ascending trajectory and heavier spheres a terminally descending trajectory. The second novel result is a strong correlation of primary and secondary pinch-off times with the Froude number at impact and the dimensionless density. A semi-empirical correlation for the air cavity volume following the primary pinch-off shows excellent agreement with measurements over all dimensionless densities. A scalar force balance predicts a drastic decrease of buoyancy upon pinch-off, reflected also in the abrupt change of deceleration, measured using two orthogonally placed high-speed cameras to capture the time resolved trajectory of the sphere in the pool. Comparisons are drawn between the trajectories of superhydrophobic spheres and those of hydrophilic spheres, measured in a previous study.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2025

Vortex Dynamics During Pinch-off of Micro-Droplets

Micro-droplets are extensively used in chemical, biological, and medical research, primarily for conducting various tests on samples, including living organisms, using a microfluidic framework. Recent studies have shown that the physiology of bacteria can be significantly altered when subjected to shear and/or extensional stresses. With this motivation, we perform experiments to understand the vortex dynamics involved during the pinch-off process in a cross flow droplet generator, using particle image velocimetry (PIV) to visualize the vortical structures and to quantitatively measure the associated stresses developed inside droplets. The process of pinching off inherently leads to bi-directional acceleration of fluid in the rapidly thinning capillary bridge, resulting in a vortex in the separated droplet as well as in the retracting ligament. We propose scaling laws for the vortical flow inside the droplet post pinch-off and predict the maximum circulation production inside droplet. Further, we discuss the vortex dynamics inside the droplet, the retracting ligament and the advancing ligament and examine the stress fields associated with this transient phenomenon.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2024

Inverse Diffusion Approximation for Extraction of Scattering and Absorption Coefficients in Highly Scattering Media

Photon transport through a diffusing slab can be described by the radiative transfer equation (RTE). When the slab is highly scattering and weakly absorbing, the RTE simplifies to the diffusion equation. In this paper, an inverse diffusion approximation (IDA) method is numerically developed to determine the optical properties (reduced scattering $\mu'_s$ and absorption coefficient $\mu_a$) of a homogeneous slab using simple reflectance and transmission measurements with a spectrometer. The reflectance and transmission of a diffusing slab with an arbitrary thickness can then be predicted by solving the forward problem by using the calculated $\mu'_s$ and $\mu_a$. Our method is validated both numerically, by directly comparing with Monte-Carlo simulations, and experimentally, by comparing with measurements on ZnO/PDMS and TiO$_2$/PDMS composite polymer films with varying thicknesses. The IDA method is also applied to distinguish between different types of tissue. Overall, our method could be used to guide the design of radiative cooling reflectors, or lighting and optical display diffusers for applications in medical imaging and other fields.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2024

Depth from Defocus Technique for High Number Densities and Non-spherical Particles

The Depth from Defocus (DFD) imaging technique for measuring the size and number concentration of particles in a dispersed two-phase flow has up to now been restricted to relatively sparse particle densities and to identifying only spherical particles. The present study examines two advancements to the technique, widening its range of application significantly. The first advancement introduces an image processing procedure which can identify and size particle images which are overlapping. This increases the tolerable number concentration of particles which can be identified and processed within the measurement volume. The second advancement explores the possibility of determining the size and position of non-spherical particles within an observation volume. Both advancements build on recent theoretical work, utilizing not only the gray level of the blurred, out-of-focus images, but also the gradient of the gray level normal to the nominal particle or particle ensemble contour. This gray-level gradient is used to estimate the width of the blur kernel, which is assumed to remain Gaussian. These enhancements are experimentally validated using a dedicated apparatus in which particles of known size, shape and degree of overlapping images can be systematically varied. This experimental setup provides benchmark data to quantify the accuracy and limitations of the processing algorithms.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2024

Motion of a rigid sphere penetrating a deep pool

In this study, we experimentally examine the behavior of a free-falling rigid sphere penetrating a quiescent liquid pool. Observations of the sphere trajectory in time are made using two orthogonally placed high-speed cameras, yielding the velocity and acceleration vector through repeated differentiation of the time-resolved trajectories. The novelty of this study is twofold. On the one hand, a methodology is introduced by which the instantaneous forces acting on the sphere can be derived by tracking the sphere trajectory. To do this, we work in a natural coordinate system aligned with the pathline of the sphere. In particular, the instantaneous lift and drag forces can be separately estimated. On the other hand, the results reveal that when decelerating, the sphere experiences a very high drag force compared with steady flow. This is attributed to an upstream shift of the mean boundary-layer separation. The sphere also experiences significant lift force fluctuations, attributed to unsteady and asymmetric wake fluctuations. The trajectories can be reduced to three stages, common in duration for all initial Reynolds numbers and density ratios when expressed in dimensionless time. In addition, the sphere velocity and deceleration magnitude for different initial parameters exhibit a high degree of uniformity when expressed in dimensionless form. This offers prediction capability of how far a sphere penetrates in time and the forces acting on it.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2023

Depth from Defocus Technique: A Simple Calibration-Free Approach for Dispersion Size Measurement

Particle size measurement is crucial in various applications, be it sizing droplets in inkjet printing or respiratory events, tracking particulate ejection in hypersonic impacts, or detecting floating target markers in free surface flows. Such systems are characterised by extracting quantitative information like size, position, velocity and number density of the dispersed particles, which is typically non-trivial. The existing methods like phase Doppler or digital holography offer precise estimates at the expense of complicated systems, demanding significant expertise. We present a novel volumetric measurement approach for estimating the size and position of dispersed spherical particles that utilises a unique 'Depth from Defocus' (DFD) technique with a single camera. The calibration free sizing enables in-situ examination of hard to measure systems, including naturally occurring phenomena like pathogenic aerosols, pollen dispersion or raindrops. The efficacy of the technique is demonstrated for diverse sparse dispersions, including dots, glass beads, spray droplets, and pollen grains. The simple optical configuration and semi-autonomous calibration procedure make the method readily deployable and accessible, with a scope of applicability across vast research horizons.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2023

Studying Macro- and Mesoscopic Wetting Dynamics of a Spreading Oil Droplet Using Multiple Wavelength Interferometry

In this study we present an interferometric technique based on multiple wavelengths to capture the transient free surface contour of nanoliter drops spreading on a wettable surface, in particular close to the three-phase contact line. Various data analysis procedures are evaluated in terms of error and noise sensitivity. The technique allows an unambiguous determination of the local liquid film thickness for optical path differences up to $\Delta s \approx 3.19\,\mathrm{\mu m}$ without the need of a known reference height. Film thicknesses as low as $0.1\,\mathrm{\mu m}$ can be measured with the present optical configuration. The entire three-dimensional droplet shape is investigated for different capillary numbers, allowing also reliable measurements of the time-resolved contact angle.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2022

Depth from Defocus Technique Applied to Unsteady Shock-Drop Secondary atomization

The two-sensor depth from defocus (DFD) technique for the measurement of drop sizes in a spray is further developed to achieve higher spatial and temporal resolution, to improve estimates of size and number concentration, and to provide additional guidelines for the calibration and design of the optical system for a specific application. The technique and these improvements are demonstrated using the case of secondary atomization when a shock wave interacts with a single drop. This is an application in which both high spatially and temporally resolved number density and size distributions of secondary droplets generated in the wake of the original drop are necessary.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2021

Drop impact onto a substrate wetted by another liquid: Corona detachment from the wall film

Drop impact onto a thin liquid film of another liquid is observed and characterized using a high-speed video system. A new mode of splash - a complete, simultaneous corona detachment - has been observed, which is the result of the lamella breakup near the wall film. The abrupt outward and upward displacement of the lamella leads to an extreme stretching of the corona wall, resulting in rapid thinning and a rupture of the corona wall. This rupture triggers propagating Taylor-Culick rims, which rapidly spread, meet and thus undercut simultaneously the entire corona, resulting in its detachment. Special experiments with the spreading corona impingement onto a fixed needle, supplement the physical evidence of the above-mentioned mechanism. A self-consistent theory of the observed phenomena is proposed and compared with experiments, exhibiting good agreement.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2020

Parametric Sequential Method for MRI-based Wall Shear Stress Quantification

Wall shear stress (WSS) has been suggested as a potential biomarker in various cardiovascular diseases and it can be estimated from phase-contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PC-MRI) velocity measurements. We present a new parametric sequential method for MRI-based WSS quantification consisting of a geometry identification and a subsequent approximation of the velocity field. The new method was validated on well controlled, high resolution in vitro measurements of turbulent stationary flows and physiological pulsatile flows in phantoms. Basic applicability to in vivo was demonstrated using 2D PC-MRI data of the ascending aorta of three volunteers.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2020

Insights into Leading Edge Vortex Formation and Detachment on a Pitching and Plunging Flat Plate

The present study is a prelude to applying different flow control devices on pitching and plunging airfoils with the intention of controlling the growth of the leading edge vortex (LEV); hence, the lift under unsteady stall conditions. As a pre-requisite, the parameters influencing the development of the LEV topology must be fully understood, and this constitutes the main motivation of the present experimental investigation. The aims of this study are twofold. First, an approach is introduced to validate the comparability between flow fields and LEV characteristics of two different facilities using water and air as working media by making use of a common baseline case. The motivation behind this comparison is that with two facilities the overall parameter range can be greatly expanded. This comparison includes an overview of the respective parameter ranges, control of the airfoil kinematics and careful scrutiny of how post-processing procedures of velocity data from time-resolved particle image velocimetry (PIV) influence the integral properties and topological features used to characterise the LEV development. Second, and based on results coming from both facilities, the appearance of secondary structures and their effect on LEV detachment over an extended parameter range is studied. A Lagrangian flow field analysis, based on finite-time Lyapunov Exponent (FTLE) ridges, allows precise identification of secondary structures and reveals that their emergence is closely correlated to a vortex Reynolds number threshold computed from the LEV circulation. This threshold is used to model the temporal onset of secondary structures. Further analysis indicates that the emergence of secondary structures causes the LEV to stop accumulating circulation if the shear layer angle at the leading edge of the flat plate has ceased to increase.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2020

Delaying Leading Edge Vortex Detachment by Plasma Flow Control at Topologically Critical Locations

Flapping wing propulsion offers unrivalled manoeuvrability and efficiency at low flight speeds and in hover. These advantages are attributed to the leading edge vortex developing on an unsteady wing, which induces additional lift. We propose and validate a manipulation hypothesis that allows prolongation of the leading edge vortex growth phase, by delaying its detachment with the aid of flow control. This approach targets an overall lift increase on unsteady airfoils. A dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator is successfully used to compress secondary structures upstream of the main vortex on a pitching and plunging flat plate. To determine flow control timing and location, the tangential velocity on the airfoil surface is used, which is also used to quantify topological effects of flow control. This flow control is then tested for different motion kinematics and on a NACA 0012 airfoil. Significant increase of the peak circulation of the leading edge vortex of about 20% for all cases with flow control indicates that this approach is applicable for various kinematics, dynamics and airfoil types.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2020

Leidenfrost temperature in sprays: role of the substrate and liquid properties

In this study the Leidenfrost temperature during spray cooling of very hot substrates is experimentally measured. The spray parameters, i.e. the drop diameters and velocities and the mass flux, are very accurately measured. Astonishingly, the measured Leidenfrost temperature is independent of any of the spray impact parameters, but is determined exclusively by the materials of the liquid and the substrate. The mechanism of film boiling is explained by the formation of a fast propagating vaporizing front, when the inertial forces in the associated liquid flow are comparable with the viscous stresses. This leads to a theoretical prediction for the Leidenfrost temperature which agrees well with the experimental data.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2019

Fingering instability of a stretched liquid bridge

When a liquid viscous bridge between two parallel substrates is stretched by accelerating one substrate, its interface recedes in the radial direction. In some cases the interface becomes unstable. Such instability leads to the emergence of a network of fingers. In this study the mechanisms of the fingering are studied experimentally and analysed theoretically. The experimental setup allows a constant acceleration of the movable substrate with up to 180 m/s$^2$. The phenomena are observed using two high-speed video systems. The number of fingers is measured for different liquid viscosities and liquid bridge sizes. A linear stability analysis of the bridge interface takes into account the inertial, viscous and capillary effects in the liquid flow. The theoretically predicted maximum number of fingers, corresponding to a mode with the maximum amplitude, and a threshold for the onset of finger formation are proposed. Both models agree well with the experimental data up to the onset of emerging cavitation bubbles.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2019

The interaction of inner and outer surface corners during spontaneous wetting

Real world surfaces can often be modeled as a collection of edges, corners, dents or spikes of varying roundness. These features exhibit individual spontaneous wetting behaviors comprising pinned contact lines, rivulets or cusps. If occurring in proximity to one another, as is often the case in applications, these wetting properties interact, resulting in an overall changed wetting pattern on the surface. Hence, there is considerable interest in understanding when, and to what extent, interactions occur, and how wetting then deviates from the wetting of isolated surface features. The present study addresses these questions by experimentally and theoretically studying the capillary interaction of sharp-edged 90° (outer) and 270° (inner) corners in proximity to one another. It is shown that the spontaneous wetting at the convex outer corner is in uenced by the concave inner corner even when they are separated by a distance of several times the capillary length, while the wetting of the inner corner takes place unaffected by the outer corner, except when the separating distance is much smaller than the capillary length. The final contact line shape at the inner corner is measured and theoretically modelled for contact angles up to 90°.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2019

Fast transient spray cooling of a hot thick target

Spray cooling a hot target is characterized by strong heat flux density and fast change of the temperature of the wall interface. The heat flux density during spray cooling is determined by the instantaneous substrate temperature, which is illustrated by boiling curves. The variation of the heat flux density is especially notable during different thermodynamic regimes: film, transitional and nucleate boiling. In this study transient boiling curves are obtained by measurement of the local and instantaneous heat flux density produced by sprays of variable mass flux, drop diameter and impact velocity. These spray parameters are accurately characterized using a phase Doppler instrument and a patternator. The hydrodynamic phenomena of spray impact during various thermodynamic regimes are observed using a high-speed video system. A theoretical model has been developed for heat conduction in the thin expanding thermal boundary layer in the substrate. The theory is able to predict the evolution of the target temperature in time in the film boiling regime. Moreover, a remote asymptotic solution for a heat flux density during the fully developed nucleate boiling regime is developed. The theoretical predictions agree very well with the experimental data for a wide range of impact parameters.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2019

Sinusoidal-gust generation with a pitching and plunging airfoil

The generation of uniform, periodic gust disturbances in an experimental context is demonstrated using a single oscillating airfoil. A pitching and heaving symmetric airfoil is suggested as a simpler alternative to existing gust-generation methods. The Theodorsen theory of unsteady aerodynamics is used as an analytical tool to dictate the kinematics necessary to produce well-defined sinusoidal gusts downstream of the airfoil. These analytic predictions improve the symmetry of fluctuations in the vertical velocity induced by the airfoil, as well as minimize the influence of vorticity shed by the oscillating airfoil. The apparatus is shown to produce smooth, repeatable gusts with high amplitudes and reduced frequencies compared to other gust-generation mechanisms in the literature. Furthermore, the control of downstream flow properties by airfoil motion kinematics has applications in experimental aerodynamics, the design of rotorcraft and light aerial vehicles, and biological propulsion.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2018

Insights into the Periodic Gust Response of Airfoils

The unsteady lift response of an airfoil in a sinusoidal gust can be modeled by two transfer functions: the first-order Sears function and the second-order Atassi function, albeit leading to different results under certain conditions. Previous studies have shown that the Sears function holds in experiments, but recently Cordes et al. (2017) reported experimental data that corresponded to the Atassi function rather than the Sears function. In order to clarify the observed discrepancy, the specific differences between these models are isolated analytically in this study and are related to physical gust parameters. Gusts with these parameters are then produced in wind-tunnel experiments using an active-grid gust generator. Measurements of the unsteady gust loads on an airfoil in the wind tunnel at Reynolds numbers ($Re_c$) of $2.0\times 10^5$ and $2.6\times 10^5$ and reduced frequencies between 0.09 and 0.42 confirm that the decisive difference between the Sears and Atassi functions lies in the character of the gust and not in the characteristics of the airfoil. The differences in the gust-response data between Sears and Atassi gust conditions are shown to be significant only at low reduced frequencies. These findings are supported by numerical simulations of the experimental setup. Finally, the influence of boundary-layer turbulence on experimental convergence with model predictions is investigated. These results serve to clarify the conditions under which the Sears and Atassi functions can be applied, and they establish the validity of both in an experimental context.

physics.flu-dyn↗