Online

Vachon, Nicholas M.

Mechanical Engineering

2010

MS

Methods of dust mitigation in Martian and Lunar environments are an increasingly active area of research within the fluid dynamic and aerospace community. Martian and Lunar environments produce electrically charged particles, which easily adhere to exposed surfaces. Adhered regolith particles can interfere with human comfort and mechanical functionality. In this work we investigate the potential to enhance particle removal through bound vortex surface impingement. A bound vortex flow condition is created using a specialized nozzle configuration where a combination of positive pressure inlets and a central negative pressure outlet are used to control flow dynamics. Using the techniques of computational fluid dynamic simulations and physical experiments, the effectiveness of vortex-induced flow conditions is evaluated. A parametric study is performed to explore bound vortex formation over a range of nozzle configurations and pressure conditions. Visualization of pathlines and measurement of shear stress under various geometric and pressure conditions provide insight into flow characteristics. It is found that an optimal range of key geometric and pressure parameters exist in the creation of bound vortex flow and such flow enhances particle transportation and removal. A subset of optimal computational configurations is recreated experimentally to support the existence of bound vortex flow and its positive impact on the removal of particles.