Research Symposium

BIO

Colin Waldie is a current fourth year senior from Pensacola, Florida pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. As a part of both the Honors and Honors in the Major Program, he is pursuing a Dual Honors recognition from the university. Colin has spent the last academic year working under Dr. Hadi Mohammadigoushki at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, focusing on work in numerical modeling and simulations of magnetic field induced flow systems. Colin's current plan following graduation is to begin working as a Process Engineer at a pulp and paper manufacturing facility in Alabama.

Modeling Bubble Dynamics Under Magnetic Fields

Abstract

The utilization of water electrolysis as a means of oxygen production in space has been used and improved for decades. However, the functionality of this method has been limited by the formation of gas bubbles without buoyancy forces. One potential solution is the use of magnetic fields and forces. While researchers are replicating microgravity conditions on Earth to better observe a bubble’s trajectory when suspended in a liquid under a magnetic field, there is a gap in the literature for a validated numerical model to better understand the dynamics observed in this system. The primary goal of this research project is to develop a validated numerical model of the motion of a bubble suspended in liquid under the effects of a non-homogeneous magnetic field. Laboratory observations will also be made to observe the effects of magnetic fields on bubble trajectories while under full gravity conditions. A numerical model will be developed using COMSOL modeling software, and laboratory data trends will be collected and observed, providing a consistent prediction of suspended bubble trajectories under these conditions.

Keywords: Magnetics, modeling, two-phase flow, simulations