Isothermal helium flow measurements twrough a rectangular channel for a Wide Knudsen range

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

Mechanical Engineering

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Year

2012

Author dc:creator

• Anderson, John

Contributors dc:contributor

• Khraishi, Tariq
• Shen, Yu-Lin
• Manginell, Ron

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

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/me_etds/57

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalrepository.unm.edu:me_etds-1056