Masterarbeit

Unlocking the potential of nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy source requires overcoming intricate challenges associated with the direct laser-driven inertial fusion approach. This method entails the simultaneous convergence of laser beams onto a hydrogen-filled hollow sphere, necessitating the generation of high-frequency fusion events within capsules of approximately 2 mm in diameter. To address the precision requirements for sphere production, including stringent quality criteria such as sphericity, concentricity, surface roughness, and wall thickness, the adoption of microfluidics emerges as a transformative solution.

Within the microfluidics paradigm, double emulsion droplets (DEDs) assume a central role, featuring a droplet core phase encapsulated within another droplet (shell phase) within a carrier fluid. The primary challenge lies in the fabrication of solid shells with a uniform wall thickness, corresponding to concentrically aligned core- and shell phase droplets. The existence of different densities in the constituent phases introduces buoyancy forces, which pose a potential disruption to concentric alignment.

This master thesis employs Comsol Multiphysics for numerical simulations, specifically focusing on the transport of DEDs against gravity within a tube (see Figure 1). By inducing shear forces at the interfaces between carrier fluid and shell phase, and subsequently between shell and core phase, we aim to navigate the intricate dynamics of carrier, shell, and core phases. The ultimate objective is to achieve concentric alignment (c = 0 in Figure 1), a critical factor for optimizing fusion energy production. This can be achieved by finding suitable parameters for the velocity of the carrier fluid.

Embark on a scholarly exploration of microfluidics precision, where simulation converges with practical application in the pursuit of a sustainable future for fusion energy.

Are you interested? For more information, please contact markus.roth@physik.tu-… andgschaumann@ikp.tu-….