Flow Visualization

FSAE Competiton Vehicle Intake

I created a flow visualization rig to explore internal airflow patterns such as vortices and Kelvin‑Helmholtz instabilities within the intake plenum and velocity stacks of the CU Boulder FSAE vehicle. Using CAD-derived acrylic and wood assemblies, I directed smoke (or dry-ice fog) through scaled 2D cross-sections, controlling flow via a vacuum setup to simulate engine pulses. High-speed video capture and contrast-based editing revealed subtle instabilities that were otherwise invisible, providing actionable insights for intake design refinements. The result is a compelling visual dataset and report that informed future intake geometry tweaks, contributing to a 10% broadband power increase.

In “Ebb & Flow” I utilized a smoke machine to create visible particles and emulated the oscillating flow of air through a vehicle's intake system. The model used is an exact cross section of the vehicle on the car.

In “Velocity Stacks” the principals of the visualization are much the same, however it used a generic prototype geometry and dry ice fog to visualize the flow.

In the future I want to recreate the Ebb and Flow experiment but with dry ice fog, as it has better texture and visibility which helps convey the exact phenomenon of the system to the viewer.

Rayleigh-Taylor Instability in Iced Latte

To deepen my understanding of Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities in low-Reynolds-number fluids, I captured high-resolution footage of decaying foam in an iced latte. Using precise density data for creamer, coffee, and milk, I set up controlled-layer pours and recorded the resulting fluid “tentacles” using a Samsung S24+. This confirmed the presence of smooth, slow-moving tendrils caused by density-driven instabilities.

Key findings:

  • The density of the creamer (1.15 g/ml) and espresso (1.19 g/ml) were determined from literature, while the density of whole milk (1.03 g/ml) was derived from NIH data.

  • The decaying foam, primarily composed of creamer, presents long tendrils due to the low Reynolds number, confirming a smooth Rayleigh-Taylor Instability.

The visualization was enhanced through meticulous control of lighting, camera settings, and background to isolate the flow, capturing it in stunning detail. The video was recorded at 7680x4320 resolution at 30 frames per second, utilizing a Samsung S24+.

The project underscores the importance of precise control and high-resolution imaging in capturing fluid dynamics, providing a deeper understanding of the underlying physical phenomena.

Cloud Visualization and Analysis

While climbing to cruise altitude (~5,000 m) over Scituate, MA on October 30, 2024, I photographed stratified nimbostratus and faint altostratus layers using a Samsung S24+. By analyzing atmospheric pressure, temperature trends, Skew-T profiles, and visible sky conditions, I correlated the observed cloud formations with a stable, post-rain environment.

The image showcases a nearly continuous nimbostratus deck beneath overlaying altostratus wisps. The atmosphere was notably stable (CAPE ~0), with pressure dropping and warming happening post-rainfall—conditions supportive of wide, layering cloud decks. Shooting during astronomical twilight before sunrise enabled tonal highlights of pastel purples and oranges. I completed the analysis by cross-referencing local NOAA soundings, satellite imagery, and weather logs to explain the age and structure of the cloud layers. The project demonstrates how well-timed, observational cloud photography combined with atmospheric data can reveal hidden details about macro-scale weather dynamics.

On September 24th, 2024, I documented cloud formations in front of the setting sun in Boulder, Colorado. This report explores the atmospheric conditions that led to the formation of altostratus clouds and smaller cumulus humilis clouds. The photograph, taken just before 7 PM MST, captures the vibrant colors of the clouds during the late afternoon. The image showcases altostratus clouds in the upper portion and smaller cumulus humilis clouds at the bottom, framed by the skyline of buildings. The stable atmospheric conditions, temperature inversion, and cloud heights were analyzed using various meteorological data. The photograph was taken with a Samsung S24+ smartphone, and post-processing techniques were applied to enhance the visual appeal of the image.