SBIR/STTR Award attributes
The Navy seeks a passive device which will eliminate flow asymmetries and provide uniform pipe flow in a shorter distance than is currently achievable. In standard practice, a distance of ~20 x diameter is used downstream of a disturbance such as a pipe bend. This distance is considered sufficient to produce uniform pipe flow (Poiseuille Flow). However, for space-constrained applications, for example in submarines and inside Navy vessels, this distance can be a constraint.Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) will develop a novel flow control device that produces uniform pipe flow in a much shorter distance than is typically achievable using current off-the-shelf methods. The device is passive and made from solid, conventional engineering materials so it will have the robustness and longevity required to survive the demanding Navy environment. Initial prototypes will be prepared in the Round I program using additive manufacturing and based on the existing proof-of-concept that has been constructed at PSI. In Round II, the device will be made manufacturable at large scale and will incorporate features necessary for integration into piping loops. In Round III, detailed design will be undertaken for a specific ship-board need, and representative testing in an appropriate piping loop will be performed.
