Computational fluid dynamics imaging

There are many nonintrusive experimental tools available that can help scientists to develop a good picture of fluid dynamics and transport in chemical reactors. Laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV), particle image velocimetry (PIV) and sonar Doppler for velocity measurement, planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) for mixing studies, and high-speed cameras and tomography are very useful for multiphase studies. These experimental methods combined with computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) provide very good tools to understand what is happening in chemical reactors. 

Calamante, E, P.J. Yim, J.R. Cebral, Estimation of bolus dispersion effects in perfusion MRI using image-based computational fluid dynamics. Neuroimage, 2003.19(2 Pt 1) p. 341-53. 

Our understanding of the hydrodynamics of multiphase flows has progressed substantially in the recent three decades, thanks to the development of advanced experimental techniques, particularly laser Doppler anemometry (LDA), particle image velocimetry (PIV), computer-automated radioactive particle tracking (CARPT), and optical bubble probes. In addition, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations allow for inner views in two-phase process equipment. 

The compact can either be saturated with the fluid for static measurements or dynamic measurements may be made through a computer imaging goniometer which takes successive images of the drop profile. 

The radial distribution function plays an important role in the study of liquid systems. In the first place, g(r) is a physical quantity that can be determined experimentally by a number of techniques, for instance X-ray and neutron scattering (for atomic and molecular fluids), light scattering and imaging techniques (in the case of colloidal liquids and other complex fluids). Second, g(r) can also be determined from theoretical approximations and from computer simulations if the pair interparticle potential is known. Third, from the knowledge of g(r) and of the interparticle interactions, the thermodynamic properties of the system can be obtained. These three aspects are discussed in more detail in the following sections. In addition, let us mention that the static structure is also important in determining physical quantities such as the dynamic an other transport properties. Some theoretical approaches for those quantities use as an input precisely this structural information of the system [15-17,30,31]. 

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