Visualization of hydrodynamic and physico-chemical processes in rotating and vibrating containers

Abstract

Variable inertial fields are an efficient way to control the behaviour of hydrodynamic systems. Forces of inertia can be used, for example, to stabilize or destabilize systems with an interface or density gradient, to mix multiphase or non-isothermal fluids. The implementation of this approach means that liquids fill the periodically moving containers. In this paper, the situations are considered when the containers perform either rotation or translational vibrations. Methods for measuring the density and velocity fields of convective flows in reacting hydrodynamic systems are described. Interferometry is used to visualize the density distribution. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is used to study the structure and velocity of the flows. Optical instruments are installed stationary in the laboratory system. For video recording, a camera shutter is synchronized with the motion of a container, and thus the images are captured in a fixed phase of oscillations or rotation. Constructions of the containers make it possible to illuminate the working volume through transparent walls at different angles or in different planes. They also provide a compensation for the centrifugal pressure and allow interference cells to be used in overload conditions. The successful application of the methods in experimental studies of chemo-hydrodynamic processes is demonstrated.