In mist filtration, fiber-based coalescers are an established form of filtering droplets contained in mist. The filtration process can be divided into different process steps, describing the impact of the droplets on fibers, the formation of fluid structures and the liquid transport. The filter performance results from the interaction of these mechanisms. If the complexity of the filter is reduced to a single fiber, the filter performance of a single fiber is described by the single fiber separation efficiency.

In order to investigate mechanisms inside depth filters on a microscopic level, investigations are often reduced to single fibers. The filter performance of a single fiber can be described with the single fiber separation efficiency, the product of the degree of impact and the degree of adhesion of a particle. In current research, vibrating filters are being investigated. The influence of the vibration on the degree of impact is not yet known and is to be examined numerically in this work.

A particle and a vibrating fiber in the plane are classified as two objects that can collide depending on the fiber motion, fiber orientation, geometric dimensions and relative position to each other. The influence of the fiber excitation on the impact degree is to be determined with a parameter study. The effects of the fiber excitation on the degree of impact are to be estimated in a three-dimensional view. If you are generally interested in micro fluidics, filtration and programming I would be happy if you send me an email or give me a call. Afterwards, we can work together to align the thesis according to your interests and wishes.

The implementation can be done either in MATLAB or Python.

What I can offer you:

• I maintain an intensive mentoring relationship with my students with regular appointments (if requested) and I’m always available to support with problems
• I give my students the freedom to contribute their own ideas to the final project
• The thesis is your work and not mine, which is why I prefer to be your advisor and not to interfere too much

Your tasks include:

• Developing an understanding for object collision
• Development of a numerical routine for the task
• Creation and tracking of a project plan for your thesis

What should you bring to the job:

• Having fun to try and learn new things
• Ability to communicate
• Goal-oriented working
• Basic knowledge of C++, MATLAB or Python is beneficial

Contact Information
Alexander Schwarzwälder, M.Sc.
E-Mail: alexander.schwarzwaelder∂kit.edu
Tel.: +49 721 608-46573
Straße am Forum 8
Geb. 30.70, Raum 109
76131 Karlsruhe