Title: Japan JSPS Program: Effect of Dilute Polymer on Laminar Flow Patterns This award will provide supplementary support to enable Dr. Elisha Moses of the James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, to conduct collaborative research with Dr. Takeji Hashimoto for 12 months at Kyoto University in Japan. They will apply Moses' theoretical knowledge of physics to study the effect adding polymers to a solution has on the flow patterns obtained under laminar conditions. For over 50 years, polymers have been added to solutions to reduce drag significantly in turbulent flows such as the Alaskan oil pipeline; however, it has yet to be determined why polymers produce such an effect. Dr. Hashimoto's expertise on the structure and behavior of crystalline polymers and the experimental apparatus available at Kyoto University will complement Moses' theoretical expertise in fluid dynamics and non-linear phenomena. Utilizing the Saffman-Taylor apparatus, the team plans to conduct research on the structure and behavior of different crystalline polymers introduced to a theta solvent, Dioctyl phthalate.
