Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Engineering Science

Program

Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Supervisor

Floryan, Jerzy M.

Abstract

In shear-driven flows, an external driving force is needed to maintain the relative movement of horizontal plates. This thesis presents a systematic analysis on using spatially periodic heating and grooved surfaces to control this force. It is found that the use of periodic heating creates a buoyancy-driven effect that always reduces this force. The use of proper heating may even lead to the complete elimination of this force. It is further found that the use of isothermal grooved surfaces always enhances flow resistance, resulting in an increase of this force. When grooves and heating are applied together, their interaction induces a horizontal pressure force that can either increase or decrease the driving force, depending on the relative positions of the groove and heating patterns. Mechanisms leading to such changes of the driving force are discussed.

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