Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Vortex tube solution has been tested and proven to be able to provide sufficient cooling!
Currently designing a control system for maintaining a steady temperature
Cooling is currently excessive, require a means of controlling the degree of cooling.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Completed heated airflow test setup (metal block with heater and thermocouples)
Simulated heated airflow under extreme conditions, and proved that vortex tube cooling is more than sufficient
Fabricated new iteration of test setup, with 3D printed ducts
Assignments for Coming Week
Jayant Mathur
Refine data collection software and control suite
Review CAD and check test methods
Nate Goldberg
Perform CFD to develop model-based analyses as design continues to evolve
Devise means of controlling degree of cooling (pressure regulation, trimming heater, etc.)
Kristen Matsuno
Continue CAD of assembly and stand
Perform CFD if necessary to determine fluid interaction forces
Nathaniel Liu
Continue tabulating costs and ordering necessary components
Seek use of mass balance from Professor Garay
Sponsor Feedback and Corresponding Action Items
Sponsor has clarified that the cost of operating the vortex tube will be well within reason.
Accordingly, the vortex tube solution has been implemented and is under testing with real coupons provided by the sponsor.
Instructor Feedback and Corresponding Action Items
Professor Tustaniwskyj has not raised any new concerns about the vortex tube, however the previously discussed issue about condensation around the cold source has been addressed with insulating foam that conforms to the cold surfaces.
Comments from Other Students
Other students have expressed concern about the loudness of the solution, but after discussion with the sponsor it was deemed to be a minor concern that can be alleviated through muffling.
Risks and Areas of Concern
Vortex tube actually provides an excessive amount of cooling, and the steadiness with which it can be controlled is of slight concern.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
Means of "affixing" the cold fraction of the vortex tube is still uncertain, as it has not been decided whether the tube will be controlled using pressure control, volume control, cold fraction control, or a trimming heater and constant flow properties. Whichever of these solutions proves to be the most reliable will be adopted.
Schedule
Monday 5/15 - 10:00 am Team meeting
3:00 pm Meeting with Professor T.
4:00 pm If necessary, additional team meeting.
Wednesday 5/17 - 2:00 pm Phone call with sponsor contact (Jeremy)
5:00 pm Team meeting
Friday 5/19 - Test with mass balance?
Budget
Remaining Funds: $564.13
Progress on Report and Webpage
Report draft feedback is being taken under consideration, and webpage is under constant improvement.