Education and Research Interests
R. Dennis Vigil grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico, best known as home of Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Manhattan Project. He earned his Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering at the University of New Mexico and Masters of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in chemical engineering at the University of Michigan. After obtaining his doctorate, he spent 3 1/2 years as a post-doctoral associate and lecturer in the Center for Nonlinear Dynamics (Department of Physics) and in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas-Austin, before joining Iowa State University in 1994.
EDUCATION
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Aggregation/breakage Kinetics
Particle clustering, bubble or droplet coalescence,
and breakage are ubiquitous phenomena in both nature and in chemical process equipment. The analysis, design, and optimization of such equipment requires solution of population balance models coupled to transport equations. We are interested in developing improved aggregation and breakup simulation models as well as experimental techniques for a mechanistic understanding of aggregation and breakage kinetics.
1990 - 1993
University of Texas - Austin
Post-Doctoral Associate, Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, Department of Physics, Prof. Harry Swinney, Mentor
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Lecturer, Department of Physics and Department of Chemical Engineering
Multiphase Taylor Vortex Flow
The flow structure in a Taylor vortex reactor (concentric cylinders, with the inner cylinder spinning) has applications to a variety of chemical and biological processing problems, such as emulsion polymerization, extraction, and cultivation of microalgae. The optimization of these systems requires a fundamental understanding of the effect of various operational parameters on the hydrodynamic structure and mixing characteristics. We are working to develop this understanding for both liquid-gas and liquid-liquid systems through the use of particle image velocimetry experiments and CFD calculations.
Algal Photobioreactors
Although a great deal of attention has been focused on developing elite strains of microalgae for production of chemicals and animal feed, perhaps the largest barriers to large-scale implementation of algae-based biorefineries are process engineering challenges related to efficiently delivering light and nutrients to these microorganisms and harvesting desired products. We are working on a Taylor vortex photobioreactor that has the potential for simultaneously increasing biofuel production rates and separating biofuel products while minimizing energy utilization.
1985 - 1990
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering (1990)
M.S. Chemical Engineering (1986)
Robert M. Ziff, Major Professor
1981 - 1985
University of New Mexico - Albuquerque
B.S. Chemical Engineering (1985)
Phase Separation in Non-Newtonian Emulsions
Most medical ointments are liquid emulsions consisting of one or more non-Newtonian component and these mixtures often exhibit yield-stress and shear-thinning behavior. We are interested in developing a better understanding of the rheology and stability against phase separation of these mixtures, particularly in response to changes in temperature and shear strain rate.
Vibration Mobilization of Oil in Porous Media
Low-frequency elastic wave stimulation is a promising method for mobilizing trapped oil in rock or other porous media, a problem of great importance for both oil recovery and remediation of contaminated soils. Our efforts focus on developing a better mechanistic understanding of the effects of vibration through the use of mathematical analysis, computational fluid dynamics simulations, and flow visualization experiments.