9726615 Georgiadis This award supports a three year collaborative research project between Professor John Georgiadis of the University of Illinois, Urbana and Professor Ken Okazaki of the Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan. The researchers will be undertaking studies relating to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of heat and mass transfer in complex internal flow systems. The research involves systematic non-invasive measurements with MRI in order to accomplish the following objectives: (l) the flow field in a class of complex internal structure (fixed microchannels) will be characterized as a function of hydrodynamic conditions and degree of structural disorder. Pressure-driven, laminar, and incompressible flows through fixed solid matrices with complicated interstitial space will be considered and (2) under conditions of objective 1, the temperature and the dispersion of miscible fluid will be quantified during convective transport in the same geometries. MRI measurements will be compared to the results of direct numerical simulation via Lattice Boltzmann methods, and will be used to improve existing models of convective transport. This project brings together the efforts of two laboratories that have complementary expertise, research capabilities and equipment. The two groups have access to mutually complementary MRI facilities with the Japanese MRI scanner designed for higher magnetic field strength, and thus higher resolution. The proposed work will contribute to fundamental knowledge in the areas of advanced diagnostics and will also demonstrate the feasibility of combining experimental MRI and numerical tools to analyze complex thermohydrodynamic systems encountered in the design of industrial devices. Younger scientists will also be included in the project. Through the exchange of ideas and technology, this project will broaden our base of basic knowledge and promote international understanding and cooperation. ***
