Elucidating the onset and nature of elasto-inertia turbulence (EIT) induced by polymers and its implications for manufacturing

My research proposal is consisted by the investigation of how the polymers affect the properties of the flow. More precisely, at low Reynolds numbers, the flow exhibits peculiar properties described as elastic turbulence. These instabilities, generated by the interaction of polymers with the fluid, are induced by elastic stresses in absence of inertia that are poorly understood. Due to the lack of experimental data in the field, during the project experimental techniques will be used, such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF), in a Taylor-Couette flow configuration to elucidate the nature of elasto-inertia turbulence. The experiments will be conducted in fluids of various viscoelasticities to better comprehend the nature of these phenomena in macroscale and microscale level. The aim of the project is to establish the current criteria and to exploit elasto-inertia to enhance transport phenomena