Computational Fluid Dynamics Group
The Computational Fluid Dynamics group of CUL performs research in a wide range of flows. Work in multi-phase flows, fuel injection systems, cavitation, sprays, bio-fluids low speed aerodynamics is led by Prof Gavaises. The aeronautics group is working on flow control and high speed/supersonic flows while the compressors group is working on flows in positive displacement machines.
The group develops 3-D CFD models-codes for studding fundamental flow problems and numerical grid generators for complex geometries while it makes use of almost all commercial CFD software, including Start-CD, Fluent, CFX, Fire and KIVA.
Applications include a variety of fundamental flows and engineering components; the latter include IC engines, Compressors and positive displacement machines, Fuel injection systems, Fuel Injection Systems, MAV, Fuel cells, Lithium batteries for hybrid vehicle applications, Coronary arterial tree reconstruction and blood flow simulation, and concepts for Laminar, Transition and Turbulent flow active and passive control.
Fundamental studies focus on modelling of multi-phase flows. Emphasis is given to cavitation and bubble dynamics, vaporisation of multi-component fuels, droplet impingement of solid/wet surfaces at various temperatures and the corresponding cooling effectiveness as well as fuel atomisation from various types of injector nozzles.