Student Projects

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Direction-Dependent Flow Resistance in Engineered Geometries

Controlling fluid flow is essential in various natural and engineering systems, with geometry playing a fundamental role in shaping fluid behavior. However, the interaction between geometry and flow behavior remains a complex phenomenon, primarily governed by the flow regime and fluid material properties. Certain geometries, whether naturally occurring or engineered, induce direction-dependent flow resistance, causing variations in velocity and flow rate in opposite directions. One well-known example of such engineered geometries is the Tesla valve—a passive device without moving parts, designed to create asymmetric flow resistance, particularly at high Reynolds numbers. This structure acts like a fluidic diode, offering greater resistance to flow in one direction by generating turbulent vortices and flow separations while allowing smoother movement in the opposite direction. This effect is quantified by diodicity, which represents the ratio of pressure drop in the reverse direction to that in the forward direction, providing a measure of the valve's asymmetric resistance. However, this direction dependence is limited at lower velocities. We have designed two sets of geometries that effectively induce directional flow resistance within high and low fluid flow velocities. This Master’s thesis project aims to experimentally investigate the impact of different flow obstruction designs on direction-dependent resistance in rectangular channels and semicircular arc segments. The student will, together with their direct supervisor, design and construct an experimental setup for the reliable measurement of flow and diodicity. This project offers an excellent opportunity to gain expertise in fluid dynamics, experimental testing, numerical modeling, and additive manufacturing, with applications in biomedical systems. Students with a background in mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Prior experience with COMSOL Multiphysics is beneficial but not mandatory. Show detailsaddremove