Drag coefficients on razor clams in slightly fluidized granular media
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318901127-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
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4.6 MB
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Author(s)
Becker, Christopher R. (Christopher Ryan)
Advisor(s)
Anette E. Hosoi.
Date Issued
2008
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Razor clams are able to burrow deeply into granular media with only a small fraction of force required by traditional anchoring devices. It is hypothesized that the collapse of their shell and subsequent localized fluidization of the media is responsible for a large reduction in drag, thereby allowing the clam to burrow. A test setup comprised of a fluidized bed connected to a pump with an attached ball valve for flow regulation is constructed which allows testing of drag force in conditions similar to that the clam experiences, as well as in an environment void of wall effects. Testing is done using a dead clam attached to a stainless steel rod which is passed through the fluidized bed to obtain accurate data for the razor clam. The result is that a slight fluidization to a void fraction between 40-45% gives a drag reduction which is more than sufficient for a clam to burrow at velocities seen in nature.
Description
Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2008.
Includes bibliographical references.
Subjects
Mechanical Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
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