Multiphase Flow and Thermal Systems
The thermo-fluids group is involved in a wide range of research work; from the theoretical study of fundamental processes and the development of novel mathematical and computational models, through to advanced experimental work and collaboration with industry on emerging problems.
Thermal Systems research has a focus on optimisation of integrated power systems, and the design of novel micro-refrigeration devices, and the group is collaborating in these areas with Oxford and South Bank Universities. The group has links with the Swan Institute for Energy and is involved in a leading Geothermal Energy project currently taking place in the North East, providing advice on design and operational issues associated with optimization of the thermal power systems.
Fluids research has a focus on turbulent multiphase flow systems and on superfluid turbulence in liquid Helium. Work in these areas is taking place in collaboration with various academic and industrial partners including British Energy,Nuclear, Decommissioning Authority, Institute for Energy (Norway), Paul Scherrer Institute (Switzerland), Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN, France), Imperial College and University of Udine (Italy).
Areas of specialist expertise include:
- fundamental modelling of industrial and environmental multiphase flows
- advanced numerical methods for turbulent flows and particle transport
- Particle Image Velocimetry and Laser Doppler Anemometry for particle flows
- quantum turbulence
- nonlinear waves