Date of Award

8-2025

Degree Type

Report

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Committee Chair(s)

Tim Berk (Committee Chair)

Committee

Tim Berk

Committee

Nadia Kouraytem

Committee

Som Dutta

Abstract

Ocean spray droplets can have significant effects including reducing surface heating from the sun, degrading air quality, and intensifying tropical cyclones. However, quantifying these effects has been challenging due to the multiscale, chaotic nature of wave breaking and turbulent flow. This research presents the development of a novel apparatus designed to combine bubble column droplet generation with synthetic jet actuators for turbulence generation. The purpose is to demonstrate reliable bubble formation and droplet generation, air turbulence effect on droplet dynamics, and quantitative measurement and analysis of these effects. The primary goals of the apparatus include optical accessibility for high-resolution imaging, turbulence generation sufficient to influence droplet dynamics, and bubble generation to replicate ocean spray conditions. This report details the completion of these goals, the final design of the apparatus, and results from each test completed.

Download

Share

COinS

Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .