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Computational modelling of fluid-structure interaction at nano-scale boundaries. / Farzaneh Hafezi

Swansea University Author: Farzaneh Hafezi

Abstract

With the emergence of nano-devices and nano-scale research, gaining further understanding of the evolution of drag forces exerted by molecular flows, at low Knudsen numbers (-0.1-0.5), over nano-scaled objects with 20-100 nm size is a realistic expectation. The proposed research examines the fluid-s...

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Published: 2014
Institution: Swansea University
Degree level: Doctoral
Degree name: Ph.D
URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa42753
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Abstract: With the emergence of nano-devices and nano-scale research, gaining further understanding of the evolution of drag forces exerted by molecular flows, at low Knudsen numbers (-0.1-0.5), over nano-scaled objects with 20-100 nm size is a realistic expectation. The proposed research examines the fluid-structure interaction at nano-scales from first principles. It has also critically evaluated, and if necessary modified, the assumptions made during the development of a computational model. The research has provided new insights in modelling molecular interaction with continuum as well as molecular walls and calculation procedures for predicting macroscopic properties such as velocity, pressure and drag coefficients. The proposed formulation has been compared with the state of the art formulations as published in recent journals and verified on number numerical and molecular tests as experimental and analytical results are unavailable at this scale. The effect of various geometry configurations (slit pore, inclined and stepped wall) to model the pressure driven molecular flow through confined walls is studied for number of surface roughness and driving force values given by adjusting molecular accelerations. The molecular flow over diamond, circular and square shaped cylinders confined within parallel walls has also been modelled at various input conditions. It is expected that the proposed research will have impact in developing future nanoscale applications, in the field of drug delivery, surface cleaning and protein movement, where adsorption, drag resistance or, in general, understanding of the knowledge of fluid-structure interaction at 50-100nm scale is important. Some of the future research areas resulting from this research have also been identified.
Keywords: Mechanical engineering.;Fluid mechanics.;Nanotechnology.
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering