Matched experimental observation and finite-element simulation of flow-induced oscillations in uniform and tapered-stiffness collapsible tubes. Flexible tubes that can be flattened are widespread in the body and can act to limit flow-rate. Limitation is usually associated with spontaneous oscillation (repetitive opening and closing). There are many candidate explanations, but none has been shown to correspond with a given experiment. Through computer models and matched experiments on this couple ....Matched experimental observation and finite-element simulation of flow-induced oscillations in uniform and tapered-stiffness collapsible tubes. Flexible tubes that can be flattened are widespread in the body and can act to limit flow-rate. Limitation is usually associated with spontaneous oscillation (repetitive opening and closing). There are many candidate explanations, but none has been shown to correspond with a given experiment. Through computer models and matched experiments on this coupled system (the fluid flow interacts with the tube shape), we seek to demonstrate for the first time that a given theory/computer model encompasses the physics controlling a given observed oscillation. The solution will find application in other flexible-structure design problems in engineering, and also potentially in medicine.Read moreRead less
Matched experiments and numerical simulations of flow-induced oscillations in uniform and tapered-stiffness collapsible tubes. Flexible tubes that can be flattened are widespread in the body and can act to limit flow-rate. Limitation is usually associated with spontaneous oscillation (repetitive opening and closing). There are many candidate explanations, but none has been shown to correspond with a given experiment. Through computer models and matched experiments on this coupled system (the ....Matched experiments and numerical simulations of flow-induced oscillations in uniform and tapered-stiffness collapsible tubes. Flexible tubes that can be flattened are widespread in the body and can act to limit flow-rate. Limitation is usually associated with spontaneous oscillation (repetitive opening and closing). There are many candidate explanations, but none has been shown to correspond with a given experiment. Through computer models and matched experiments on this coupled system (the fluid flow interacts with the tube shape), we seek to demonstrate for the first time that a given theory/computer model encompasses the physics controlling a given observed oscillation. The solution will find application in other flexible-structure design problems in engineering, and also potentially in medicine.Read moreRead less
Modelling and Measurement of Flow-Structure Dynamics in the Human Upper Airway. Sleep disruption due to the common and disabling conditions of snoring and obstruction of the human upper airway can result in chronic fatigue, lost work and accidents caused by daytime drowsiness. To date the behaviour of the upper airway has not been adequately studied in terms able to reveal the mechanical causes of these conditions. This deficiency is addressed through the development and use of simulation tools ....Modelling and Measurement of Flow-Structure Dynamics in the Human Upper Airway. Sleep disruption due to the common and disabling conditions of snoring and obstruction of the human upper airway can result in chronic fatigue, lost work and accidents caused by daytime drowsiness. To date the behaviour of the upper airway has not been adequately studied in terms able to reveal the mechanical causes of these conditions. This deficiency is addressed through the development and use of simulation tools and measurement techniques that will elucidate the flow-structure dynamics leading to new diagnostic and improved treatment methods. Simulating the effect of treatment on any individual will permit it to be chosen to maximise its efficacy for a problem that costs the nation an estimated $2 Billion per year in lost productivity.Read moreRead less
Flow-induced oscillation in flexible tubes: experimental and numerical investigation of mechanism and onset. We seek to understand when instability arises in flow over very deformable structures. This will help us to design highly flexible structures specifically either to avoid the danger of flow-induced oscillations, which may be damaging (cardiac surgery, sails, parachutes), or in other circumstances to take advantage of them as an innovative way involving no sliding-parts mechanisms to crea ....Flow-induced oscillation in flexible tubes: experimental and numerical investigation of mechanism and onset. We seek to understand when instability arises in flow over very deformable structures. This will help us to design highly flexible structures specifically either to avoid the danger of flow-induced oscillations, which may be damaging (cardiac surgery, sails, parachutes), or in other circumstances to take advantage of them as an innovative way involving no sliding-parts mechanisms to create vibration, or flow pulsation, or sound, or motion (as in swimming-pool cleaners). Confidence in designing with highly flexible tubes will allow minimal resource consumption in manufacture of products to transport fluids, and will allow design use of the flow limitation property, whereby such a tube can control flow-rate.Read moreRead less
Materials World Network for the Study of Macromolecular Ferrofluids. This work will develop an understanding that will allow us to optimise the properties of ferrofluids (magnetic liquids) to suit particular applications. Although the primary application that will be investigated is the treatment of retinal detachment, the results will be applicable to a wide range of applications including ferrofluid-based actuators, electromagnetic micropumps and fluid based valves and sealing systems. During ....Materials World Network for the Study of Macromolecular Ferrofluids. This work will develop an understanding that will allow us to optimise the properties of ferrofluids (magnetic liquids) to suit particular applications. Although the primary application that will be investigated is the treatment of retinal detachment, the results will be applicable to a wide range of applications including ferrofluid-based actuators, electromagnetic micropumps and fluid based valves and sealing systems. During the course of this work, young Australian scientists will be trained in a cross-disciplinary environment in a variety of aspects of both nano- and bio- technology that are a key part of the National Research Priority: Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries.Read moreRead less