Mechanical Engineering ETDs

John Anderson

Publication Date

7-2-2012

Abstract

The purpose of this experimental investigation is to measure the isothermal steady flow of Helium through a rectangular microchannel from the continuum to the free-molecular regime. The intention is to expand the measured Knudsen number range for rectangular cross section microchannels as compared with that presently found in in the literature. As presented, the Knudsen range for the experiments is 0.03 to overnearly 500. A dual tank accumulation technique was chosen for flow measurements which allows for very low flow rate measurements (<\u301610\u3017^(-13) kgs^(-1)). Experimental results were evaluated against analytical solutions for the continuum, slip, and free molecular regimes as well as a closed-form equation that would include any regime. Data was also compared to computer models using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method.

Keywords

Helium--Fluid dynamics, Free molecular flow, Microreactors.

Degree Name

Mechanical Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Mechanical Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Shen, Yu-Lin

Second Committee Member

Manginell, Ron

Sponsors

Sandia National Laboratories

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

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