Large Analogue Volcano Apparatus (LAVA)

LAVA is a semi-permanent installation for the investigation of multiphase fluid dynamic processes in volcanic dykes (Capponi and Llewellin 2019, Capponi et al 2020). The kit houses a 3 m wide x 2 m tall fluid-filled slot into which gas can be injected via 18 bubble injection ports at the base of the slot. High-speed videography is used to capture the multiphase flow processes. 

Other equipment and capabilities 

Flexible space to host bespoke apparatus to investigate volcanological fluid dynamic phenomena. Previous examples include: 

• Small scale dyke kit that uses hot wax to simulate thermo-rheological localization of magma 
• Kit to simulate lava fountains using water, diluted sugar syrups, and injected gas 
• Experiments to study ascent and dissolution of CO2 bubbles in various analogue fluids 
• Ascent of bubbles and slugs in pipe geometry using a range of Newtonian and non-Newtonian analogue fluids (Llewellin et al 2012, Lo et al 2023) 
• Exchange flow in dykes using bespoke tilting dyke kit (Jones and Llewellin, 2022) 

Equipment includes: 

• High speed camera (Emergent Vision Technologies HR-2000) 338 fps frame grabber at 2048 x 1088 pixel resolution. 
• FLIR E96 thermal camera 640 x 480 resolution, with range of lenses 
• 2 x Nikon D7200 DSLR cameras 
• 4 x modded GoPro 5 with c-mount lenses 
• Wide range of pumps and circulators 
• Extensive stock of pipes and fittings for liquids and compressed air 
• Wide range of heaters and coolers, thermocouples, etc. 

References: 

• Capponi, A. and Llewellin, E.W., 2019. Experimental observations of bubbling regimes at in-line multi-orifice bubblers. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 114, pp.66-81.
• Capponi, A., Crosby, A.C., Lishman, S. and Llewellin, E.W., 2020. A novel experimental apparatus for investigating bubbly flows in a slot geometry. Review of Scientific Instruments, 91(4).
• Jones, T.J. and Llewellin, E.W., 2021. Convective tipping point initiates localization of basaltic fissure eruptions. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 553, p.116637.
• Llewellin, E.W., Del Bello, E., Taddeucci, J., Scarlato, P. and Lane, S.J., 2012. The thickness of the falling film of liquid around a Taylor bubble. Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 468(2140), pp.1041-1064.
• Lo, M., Loisel, A., Burton, M. and Llewellin, E.W., 2023. Evaluating bubble chain phenomena as a mechanism for open system degassing in basaltic systems. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 441, p.107874.