Albion College
Mathematics and Computer Science
COLLOQUIUM
Droplet Evaporation in a Quiescent, Micro-Gravity Atmosphere
Indrek Wichman
Professor
Mechanical Engineering
Michigan State University
Droplet evaporation spans numerous research fields ranging from the analysis of rocket fuels to crystal growth. In this talk [1] a detailed examination is conducted of the sensitivity of the droplet surface temperature and the droplet radius-squared to physical parameters characteristic of hydrocarbon fuels. An optimization analysis is conducted in which the physical parameters are determined to minimize the droplet evaporation time. The nonlinearity of the governing equations requires a numerical solution. An asymptotic analysis is also carried out and the predictions are compared with the numerical simulations. The applicability of the asymptotic analysis is more restricted than is commonly believed. Interestingly, some pseudo-fixed points arise in one of the solutions. The meaning of these points is not clear and their appearance suggests further mathematical analysis of these equations might be profitable.

1. Based largely on the recent M.S. thesis of Mr. Paul R. Cole.
3:10 PM
All are welcome!
Palenske 227
March 1, 2007