Davis A. – TechConnect Briefs

Effect of superhydrophobic nanocomposite surface roughness on anti-icing performance

Davis A., Yeong Y.H., Steele A., Loth E., Bayer I.S., University of Virginia, US

While past work has shown the ice-phobic potential of a superhydrophobic surface or noted the effect of surface area on ice adhesion to an array of microposts, questions still remain on the effect of a [...]

Durability of a superhydrophobic nanocomposite coating under extended replicated rain impact

Davis A., Yeong Y.H., Steele A., Bayer I., Loth E., DeCombarieu G., University of Virginia, US

The objective of this study was to test the mechanical durability of a polyurethane/organoclay nanocomposite modified with perfluoroalkyl methacrylic copolymer in conditions that replicate extended rain impact. Samples were impacted with 1.4 mm droplets at [...]

Impact of spray-casting height and pressure on durability and superhydrophobicity of nanocomposite coatings

Yeong Y.H., Davis A., Steele A., Loth E., Bayer I., De Combarieu G., Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, US

Recently, researchers introduced a new technique to fabricate superhydrophobic coatings by spray-casting polymer-nanoparticle suspensions using an air-atomizing nozzle. Upon thermosetting, the deposited polymer networks crosslink to form a durable, superhydrophobic nanocomposite coating. However, while the [...]

Geothermal Power from Dry Wells

Michaelides E.E., Davis A., University of Texas at San Antonio, US

A numerical simulation for the determination of geothermal power production from abandoned oil wells by injecting and retrieving a secondary fluid was performed. The analysis takes into consideration local geothermal gradients and typical well depths [...]