Output details
12 - Aeronautical, Mechanical, Chemical and Manufacturing Engineering
University of Birmingham : B - Chemical Engineering
Dynamics of textile motion in a front-loading domestic washing machine
First reported chemical engineering analysis of transport phenomena occurring in a domestic washing machine. Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) was used to determine flow dynamics and mechanical (shear/friction) forces acting on fabrics. Work carried out by Procter & Gamble (contact and co-author Dr Carlos Amador) sponsored EngD student; P&G are using this approach to design scale-down cleaning tests for fabrics and to design improve new products that will allow significant reduction on energy (reduced temperature) and water usage in washing machines (300 bn washes/annum in Western hemisphere, approx 10 litres per wash) without compromising performance.