Fluid Mechanics & Ai Research Team
Our research group integrates expertise in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, energy systems, robotics, and computational techniques to address complex engineering challenges. With a focus on the design, optimization, and performance analysis of systems such as heat exchangers, turbomachinery, and energy harvesting devices, we employ advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD), control systems, machine learning, and experimental methods. Our experimental capabilities include techniques such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and flow visualization to validate computational models and gain deeper insights into fluid behavior. Additionally, our work in robotics and virtual prototyping enables the development of effective solutions for dynamic systems and sustainable energy technologies. By combining innovative research with industry collaboration, we deliver practical and impactful solutions to enhance efficiency, reliability, and functionality across diverse applications.
Objectives and Research Areas
- Flow Stability and Vortex Dynamics: Investigating flow instabilities and vortex interactions to understand their influence on fluid behavior, with applications in improving flow control, energy efficiency, and system stability.
- Bluff-Body Aerodynamics: Analyzing wake structures and aerodynamic forces in bluff-body flows to optimize performance and design.
- Energy and Heat Transfer:
- Studying fluid behavior in energy systems, including the design and optimization of heat exchangers and thermal management systems.
- Energy Harvesting: Developing technologies to harness renewable energy from natural sources, including:
- Wave Energy: Developing efficient wave energy converters, including triboelectric nanogenerators, to harness ocean energy effectively.
- Wind Energy: Enhancing wind turbine aerodynamics for improved energy output.
- Current and Tidal Energy: Creating systems for energy extraction from water currents and tidal flows.
- Flow-Induced Vibrations: Utilizing oscillatory motions for energy harvesting, such as triboelectric nanogenerators.
- Flow-Induced Vibrations: Flow-induced vibrations are a key focus of our research, involving the analysis of fluid-structure interactions and the development of methods to mitigate their effects. We design flow control techniques, including passive solutions like vortex generators and active systems with real-time feedback, to improve stability and reduce vibrations in structures such as wind turbines, heat exchangers, and offshore platforms. AI and machine learning further enhance our ability to predict vibration patterns and optimize designs for improved efficiency and reliability.
- AI and Machine Learning Applications in Fluid Mechanics
- Leveraging AI-driven methods to enhance flow control strategies, enabling real-time adjustments and improved efficiency in managing complex fluid behaviors. These systems optimize flow separation, vortex dynamics, and drag reduction for various applications.
- Applying machine learning algorithms to process Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) datasets, enabling accurate extraction of flow field features such as velocity vectors and turbulence structures. This approach reduces processing time and enhances the interpretation of experimental results.
- Developing machine learning models trained on experimental and CFD datasets to predict critical flow field characteristics, such as velocity vectors, turbulence intensity, and pressure distributions. These simulators offer significant advantages by providing near-instantaneous predictions of flow behavior, bypassing the computational cost of traditional CFD methods. This capability is crucial for applications requiring rapid design iterations, real-time system analysis, and optimization of fluid systems.
Industry Collaboration and Services
We provide product development, design, performance testing, and consulting services using computational and experimental methods. We offer services and expertise in the following areas:
Turbomachinery Development: We focus on determining the performance characteristics of fans, turbines, compressors, and pumps using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Through CFD simulations, we analyze flow patterns, pressure distributions, and energy efficiency to optimize their performance. Our work involves designing these components, running detailed simulations, and refining their geometry to achieve improved efficiency, reliability, and operational stability tailored to industrial requirements.
Heat Exchangers and Thermal Systems: We focus on optimizing heat exchangers and thermal management systems, including finned-tube heat exchangers, plate heat exchangers, microchannels, condensers, evaporators, cooling towers, and dry coolers. Through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, we analyze heat transfer and flow behaviors to improve system performance. Our work involves enhancing heat transfer efficiency, optimizing fin geometries, and reducing pressure drop, providing reliable and energy-efficient solutions for industrial applications.