Forced synchronization of a capillary jet for 3D printing optimization
Supervisor:
LI Larry
Co-Supervisor:
-
Quota:
5
Project Description:
Capillary jets can be found in many industrial applications such as 3D printing. In this project, you will examine the synchronization dynamics of a self-excited capillary jet so as to be able to better understand and control its droplet size distribution and its droplet formation rate. You will build a bench-top apparatus consisting of a liquid reservoir, a computer-controlled syringe pump, capillary tubing, and a liquid catch tank. To induce synchronization, you will use a loudspeaker to acoustically force the jet at frequencies around its natural frequency, whilst measuring its response with high-speed imaging. You will collect data over a range of forcing frequencies and amplitudes, and examine how the jet responds to the forcing using a range of mathematical tools from nonlinear dynamical theory. On completion, this project will lead to a better understanding of the physics of synchronization in capillary jets, creating new pathways for novel control strategies to be developed for such jets.
