AME Seminar: Kevin Ferguson

Abstract: Experiments on the Richtmyer-Meshkov Instability (RMI) in a dual driver vertical shock tube (DDVST) are presented. The experiments focus on making use of the DDVST’s unique ability to control the relative strengths and timings of the two shock waves to achieve a controllable shock-to-reshock time as well as a halted bulk interface motion following passage of the second shock, the latter of which permits the use of diagnostic techniques that are not possible in traditional shock tube designs. This talk will outline the motivation, problem identification, design, and optimization of the DDVST with the intent of observing the RMI at late times in reshock. Further discussion will focus on the sets of experiments conducted in this shock tube and their analysis. Results of interest will include the growth rate of the RMI mixing layer, rate of decay of turbulent kinetic energy, and mixing layer anisotropy.

Bio: Kevin Ferguson is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. His research topic is on the Richtmyer-Meshkov Instability in reshock using a Dual-Driver Vertical Shock Tube. He is additionally interested in a wide range of other fluid mechanics topics, including unsteady and highly turbulent flows, climate science and atmospheric modeling, and fluid-structure interactions. Kevin will be starting a postdoctoral position with Lawrence-Livermore National Laboratory following the completion of his Ph.D.