Research
The Fluid Mechanics of Water Remediation Technologies
Surface Water Remediation
WaSH-AID Explainer Video
Experimentally quantifying the fluid mechanics in microporous membrane filtration modules
My work in water remediation initially began at the Center for WaSH-AID on the Reclaimer, a blackwater treatment system.
The aim of this technology is to serve developing communities lacking access to traditional sewer systems like those in the United States. Its success hinges on its ability to function off-grid. However, a key element, the ultrafiltration module, proves to be highly energy-intensive, particularly when dealing with heavily fouling waste streams such as blackwater. In my efforts to decrease energy usage in this module, I encountered numerous unanswered questions regarding the physics of microporous membrane filtration. This sparked my deep dive into understanding the fluid mechanics of these modules.
In-Situ Groundwater Remediation
Filtration membranes are akin to porous media, a field initially explored by hydrologists to analyze groundwater flow systems. Consequently, in-situ groundwater remediation techniques (e.g., vertical circulation wells) appeared relevant for acquiring insights into microporous membrane flows.
During my research, I investigated flow structures and mechanisms at the pore scale under both steady and transient flow conditions via numerical simulation in the Wolfram Language.
Numerical Simulation in the Wolfram Language
CEE 301L Guest Lecture: Laboratory Administration
Fall22_FluidMechanics_DigitalLab_Lecture.mp4Pressure Loss in Flow Through Sudden Expansion:
Digital Fluid Mechanics Laboratory
To promote the integration of the Wolfram Language in engineering curricula, a digital laboratory was developed for undergraduate students studying fluid mechanics. This collaborative project involved another graduate student and a faculty advisor.
The most current version of the laboratory is available in GitHub.