REU 2001 – Modeling Fluid Flow in a Positive Displacement Pump

A lack of potable water accounts for widespread illness in more impoverished regions of the world; the problem can be addressed in part by implementing efficient water distillation systems. In conjuction with DEKA Research and Development, our task is to model fluid flow through a positive displacement pump within a dynamic distillation system. Emphasis is placed on describing the physical properties of the water flowing through the pump, particularly phase-transition during compression and expansion states.