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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number EP/P011071/1
Title Stabilising effect of topography on thin film flows for coating applications
Status Completed
Energy Categories Renewable Energy Sources(Solar Energy, Photovoltaics) 25%;
Not Energy Related 75%;
Research Types Basic and strategic applied research 100%
Science and Technology Fields PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics) 50%;
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 25%;
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 25%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Dr S Veremieiev
No email address given
Engineering
Durham University
Award Type Standard
Funding Source EPSRC
Start Date 01 July 2017
End Date 30 June 2018
Duration 12 months
Total Grant Value £96,718
Industrial Sectors Aerospace; Defence and Marine; Energy; Manufacturing; Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Region North East
Programme NC : Engineering
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Dr S Veremieiev , Engineering, Durham University (100.000%)
  Industrial Collaborator Project Contact , Centre for Process Innovation - CPI (0.000%)
Project Contact , RK Print Coat Instruments Ltd (0.000%)
Project Contact , Solaris Photonics Limited (0.000%)
Web Site
Objectives
Abstract Thin liquid films flowing over an inclined solid substrate have the propensity to form large-amplitude free-surface waves propagating with a coherent shape and characteristic speed - a commonly observed and well-known instability. Not surprisingly, the appearance of such wave patterns, on the surface of a fluid layer, is an unwanted feature in many technological applications involving coating operations connected to print manufacturing processes; for example the manufacture of solar cells or paper production.Existing experimental data shows that the interaction of the film flow with substrate that contains repeating topographic features is able to delay the on-set of instability resulting in a higher topography-dependent critical condition for the onset of instability. However, while there are theoretical models for flow over periodic topography available in the literature, until now no evidence has appeared showing that any of them are able to predict and capture the experimentally observed stabilisation effects.The purpose of the project is therefore to develop theoretical models capable of predicting the conditions leading to the onset of free-surface instability for as wide a range as possible of the governing parameters of interest. By developing such models, to understand the interaction of the parameters involved and to identify safe operating windows for defect free coating, there is the potential to either eliminate completely or to minimise their detrimental effects in an industrial context, by enabling manufactures to predict and utilise operating windows and conditions that guarantee the production of a metered steady film. To this end, the project will involve collaboration with representatives from both academia and industry.
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 15/02/19