Fluid Dynamics and Thermal Systems
We carry out internationally renowned research in areas such as combustion, fluid dynamics, fuel cells, heat and mass transfer, and multi-phase flows.
Our group carries out a wide range of research work. Our research activities span the broad area of thermofluid dynamics.
Flows occurring in nature or engineering applications are frequently turbulent. We carry out mathematical, experimental and numerical investigations of turbulent reacting (e.g. combusting flows) and non-reacting flows. We utilise high-performance computing tools to carry out high-fidelity simulations of turbulent reacting and non-reacting flows.
From these investigations, we develop models for engineering applications. Our models lead to greener and more efficient power generation devices. Our research into heat and fluid flow involves heat and mass transfer in nanofluids and non-Newtonian fluids. We also research transport processes in fuel cells and Li-ion batteries.
Our research
Computational research
We develop in-house CFD (computational fluid dynamics) code and algorithms. We use open-source industrial code. We are experts in the use of common software packages. We combine these areas of expertise for fundamental physical investigation of industrial problems.
We carry out advanced simulations of turbulence and heat transfer. We investigate turbulent reacting flows, multiphase flows and complex non-Newtonian fluids.
We undertake physics-based modelling of fuel cells and Li-ion batteries. Our investigations extend to related electrochemical energy devices. We use multi-scale computational modelling to study fuel-cell stacks and battery packs.
Our research also focuses on health. We undertake computational modelling of blood flow in arteries.
Experimental research
We undertake applied thermodynamic investigations in energy generation, storage and refrigeration. We explore water and thermal management in polymer electrolyte fuel cells.
We are developing tuneable porous media for clean energy applications. This includes microstructural characterisation.
We are carrying out electro-thermal characterisation of Li-ion batteries. We are improving their recycling and re-use. We are using infrared (IR) thermography to detect defects in a range of devices. We carry out thermal design and optimisation inspired by nature.
We are investigating convective heat transfer of Newtonian and non-Newtonian nanofluids. Our experiments include turbulent drag reduction, turbulent boundary-layer flows and flow separation control.
We develop micro-sensing and micro-actuation technologies.
Sustainable and resilient development
Our work in modelling and simulating fluid flows and combustion processes has wide reaching applications in the sustainable biofuels industry. The insights gained from our high-fidelity simulations are utilised to develop models to aid the design process of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly devices for power generation and propulsion technologies.
The research we carry out also has application in the fuel cell industry, specifically polymer-electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). PEFCs have shown promising performance improvements in efficiency and durability, but they are not commercially viable. Our working in fundamental modelling will help improve and optimise the design and operation of PEFCs.
Green manufacturing and industry
Fuel cell and fuel-cell-battery hybrid systems are becoming more prominent in the energy sector, but new manufacturing methods are needed to increase the quality and lower the costs of these products. In particular, we need to predict defects in membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA) components, which are vital elements within fuel cells.
We are developing defect detection techniques such as infrared (IR) thermography, reactive-flow-through (RFT) and DC electronic excitation. These techniques are rapid, non-contact, non-destructive, and suitable for the manufacturing environment. These methods involve designing non-destructive experiments and developing diagnostic tools and sensors. All methods will enable engineers to detect and quantify mechanical defects.
Research projects
Some of our current research work includes:
- development of high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodologies
- Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of turbulence, combustion, heat transfer and multi-phase flows
- modelling of turbulent flows involving combustion, mixing and heat transfer
- numerical modelling of natural convection of complex non-Newtonian Fluids
- modelling of molten pool convection (Marangoni convection) in manufacturing applications
- modelling and simulation of Polymer-Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEMFCs)
- physics-based modelling of lithium-ion batteries
- defects detection using infrared (IR) thermography
- nature inspired thermal design and optimisation using nanofluids
- recycling and reuse of li-on batteries
Impact
As a research group we have taken part in many professional activities, including editing journals and chairing conferences, both nationally and internationally.
Some examples of the honours and respected assignments given to members of our research group have included:
- Member of the Royal Society International Exchanges Panel (Dr Andrew Aspden)
- Fellow of the Combustion Institute (Professor Nilanjan Chakraborty)
- Invited international speaker at the US Air Force's annual program review in Washington DC (Dr Richard Whalley)
- Primary Investigator and chair of the UK Consortium on Turbulent Reacting Flows (Professor Nilanjan Chakraborty)
- Member of the Royal Society Newton International Fellowships Committee (Dr Umair Ahmed)
Industrial and academic links
Within the University, we have strong links with various research groups, including:
The group collaborates with internationally renowned colleagues from many leading international organisations.
Professor Nilanjan Chakraborty was the co-organiser of a workshop on high-pressure combustion funded by ERCOFTAC. He was also the editor-in-chief of a special issue of the Combustion Science and Technology journal. The special issue was devoted to computational analysis of turbulent reacting flows.
Dr Richard Whalley is involved in a NATO AVT-254 plasma flow control project. in the new NATO AVT-344 group on Microtechnologies for Air and Space Propulsion.
Several group members belong to a variety of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in the UK-Fluids Network. Topics include combustion science and technology, non-equilibrium turbulence, sprays and droplets, turbulent drag reduction.
PhD Opportunities
Interested in taking part in our ground-breaking research? We are keen to hear from prospective PhD students and Postdoctoral Research Associates who want to learn and work with us.
Our staff members are always working on a wide variety of research projects, so if their research topics match with your own interests, get in touch to discuss collaborating on a PhD.
Current Projects
Members of the group are currently focussing on research projects such as:
- simulation and modelling of turbulent reacting flows
- theoretical, computational and experimental analysis of disperse multiphase turbulent flows
- quantum turbulence
- heat and mass transfer in solid-liquid phase change applications
- heat transfer involving non-Newtonian fluids
Individual academics also have their own research interests and specialisms. The list below is not exhaustive, but if any of these topics match your research interests, contact the relevant staff member to discuss studying a PhD with them.
Dr Richard Whalley
- coherent structures, mixing efficiency in a turbulent starting jet with and without strong swirling component
- evolution of near field turbulence generated by mono-plane multi-scaled grids
- experimental study of multi-phase turbulent boundary layer flows
- experimental technique development and improvement on the in-house tomo PIV code
- from radioactive particles to underwater light climates: turbulent boundary layer multiphase flows
- hibernating turbulence: towards developing the next generation of drag reduction devices
- mixing at the micro-scale: creating turbulence in micro-flows
- pumping with no moving parts: innovative low-voltage micro-pumps
- turbulent vortex rings/puffs from various initial conditions and confinements
- vortex dynamics within the cardiac left ventricle of the heart
Contact Dr Richard Whalley
Professor Nilanjan Chakraborty
- fundamental understanding and modelling of turbulent coal particle laden mixtures using Direct Numerical Simulations
- fundamental understanding and modelling of turbulent stratified mixture combustion using Direct Numerical Simulations
- modelling non-unity Lewis number effects on turbulent scalar flux transport in premixed turbulent combustion in the context of Large Eddy Simulations
- numerical modelling of natural convection of Bingham fluids in rectangular enclosures for different inclinations with vertical direction
- numerical modelling of turbulent transport in laser welding of dissimilar metal couple
- phase-space numerical methods for studying particle transport in turbulent boundary layers
- understanding and modelling of turbulent premixed flame-wall interaction using Direct Numerical Simulations
Contact Prof. Nilanjan Chakraborty
Dr Umair Ahmed
- flame-wall interaction within turbulent boundary layers
- response of hydrogen flames to thermoacoustic excitation
- algorithms for Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR)
Contact Dr Umair Ahmed
Dr Andrew Apsden
- turbulent combustion using Direct Numerical Simulation with detailed chemistry
- thermodiffusively-unstable lean premixed hydrogen flames
- premixed flames at extreme turbulence: the distributed burning regime
- entrainment in turbulent jets
- numerical methods for turbulent fluid dynamics
- type Ia Supernovae
Contact Dr Andrew Aspden
Collaboration and partnership
We are actively collaborating with a wide range of industries and academics institutions all around the world.
UK and Europe
- Cambridge University Engineering Department, UK
- Imperial College London, UK
- University of Liverpool, UK
- University of Birmingham, UK
- Universität der Bundeswehr München, Germany
- Chalmers University, Sweden
- University of Duisburg, Germany
- University of Zaragoza, Spain
North America
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA
- Sandia National Laboratory, USA
- University of Waterloo, Canada
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
Asia and Australasia
- King Abdullah University of Science & Technology, Saudi Arabia
- Kyoto University, Japan
- UM-SJTU joint institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University, China
- Tianjin University, China
- Bangladesh University of Engineering of Technology, Bangladesh
- University of New South Wales, Australia
Funding
We have received research funding from a variety of respected sources, including:
- EPSRC
- Nuffield Foundation
- Department for Transport
- United States Air Force: Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- The Royal Society
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Archer
- UK Consortium on Turbulent Reacting Flows
- DFG: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- Airbus
- British Council
- Royal Academy of Engineering
- Science & Technology Facilities Council
- The Faraday Institution
- Aerospace Technology Institute
- UK Turbulence Consortium