UROP Project
Turbulence, flow visualization, cryogenics, superfluid, superconductivity
Research Mentor: wguo@magnet.fsu.edu Wei Guo, Prof.
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: wguo@magnet.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mikai Hulse
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: mhulse@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: wguo@magnet.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mikai Hulse
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: mhulse@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Mechanical Engineering or Physics
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10 hours,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Mechanical Engineering or Physics
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10 hours,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable
Project Description
One of the milestone achievements in turbulence research is the discovery of the “law of the wall,” which states that the mean velocity of a turbulent flow near a solid wall follows a universal logarithmic form at sufficiently high Reynolds numbers. However, this understanding may not apply to superfluid helium-4 (He II), which consists of two fully miscible fluid components: an inviscid superfluid and a viscous normal fluid. While the normal fluid adheres to a no-slip boundary condition at the wall, the superfluid is not bound by this restriction. Although previous research suggests that mutual friction can strongly couple the two fluids in mechanically generated flows, it remains unclear whether this mutual friction is effective enough to couple them within the very thin boundary layer where an extremely steep velocity gradient exists. If there is a velocity mismatch between the two fluids, the resulting mutual friction could modify the classical law of the wall into a new form. Studying the near-wall velocity profile in He II not only deepens our understanding of turbulence but also lays the groundwork for theoretical modeling of the friction factor in He II pipe flows. This information is crucial for the design of He II-cooled particle accelerators and superconducting magnets. The research project is to utilize a molecular tagging velocimetry flow visualization technique developed in our lab to study the near-wall velocity profile in He II pipe flows. Taking advantage of the extremely small kinematic viscosity of He II, we will generate He II turbulent pipe flows with Reynolds numbers exceedingly 10^6. We will then use the MTV technique to create a thin molecular tracer line perpendicular to the pipe wall and track its motion . By analyzing the image data, we aim to make the first time measurement of the near-wall velocity profile in He II.Research Tasks: Design cryogenics parts, assist in helium tunnel operation, and data analysis
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Basic knowledge of fluid mechanics, electronics, lasers.
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy centers on the belief that each mentee is unique, with their own strengths, aspirations, and challenges. I view my role as a mentor as not only a guide but also a collaborator who supports the mentee’s growth in both personal and professional dimensions. My approach is rooted in active listening, empathy, and adaptability, allowing me to tailor my guidance to the individual needs of each mentee.I prioritize creating an environment of trust and openness, where mentees feel safe to express their thoughts, ask questions, and explore new ideas. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and encouraging a growth mindset, I aim to inspire mentees to take ownership of their development, challenge themselves, and embrace both successes and failures as valuable learning experiences.
In professional development, I emphasize the importance of setting clear goals, while remaining flexible and open to evolving interests. I believe in providing mentees with the tools and opportunities they need to build their skills, expand their networks, and navigate their career paths with confidence.