Thermal Science & Fluid Mechanics
Thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics are ubiquitous in topics as diverse as energy systems, electronics cooling, bioengineering, and propulsion. New experimental methods and improved mathematical models are required to meet the evolving needs of technologies that span length scales ranging from nanoscale semiconductor devices to fluid motion in aerospace propulsion systems.
Much of our research emphasizes heat and mass transfer in porous media, thermal management of electronic devices, fluid flow in micro and nanofluidic lab-on-a-chip devices, improved models of phase change in nanochannels, and improved computational models for predicting turbulent fluid motion.
Our thermal science and fluid mechanics faculty are contributing to this field in the following areas:
Micro/Nano Fluids
Faculty Contacts: A. Beskok, M. Kim
Research in micro- and nanofluidics combines hands-on experiments and computer simulations to push the boundaries of biomedical engineering and state of the art in transport theory.
Our research has been utilizing microfluidic devices to manipulate tiny fluid flows and particles and test drug effects on cells or detect multiple disease biomarkers using innovative assays for point-of-care applications.
We also perform simulations of flow phenomena through nano-sized channels and membranes, offering new insights into processes like water desalination and nano-scale fluid transport, which are critical to advancements in environmental and biomedical technologies.
Transport in Porous Media
Faculty Contacts: J. Lage, A. Dogru, S. Salehi
Multi-phase flow heat and mass transfer in nanopores is investigated using Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Transport in such small scales significantly differs from their macroscopic counterparts, and cannot be predicted using well established continuum models.
The objective of this research is formulating interface and boundary conditions from atomistic simulations, and to couple these with larger scale porous media transport models. Embedding small-scale physics into reservoir simulations may lead to better predictions of transport in shales and nano-porous media.
Nanoscale Heat Transport
Faculty Contacts: A. Beskok, P. Raad, A. Salehi-Khojin
This area currently has two research thrusts.
(i) Thermal management in electronic devices: In electronic processes, heat generation is an inevitable byproduct, which if not effectively dissipated, leads to suboptimal performance, accelerated aging, and device failure. To address critical roadblocks, we are developing novel physical and numerical characterization techniques that address the nanoscopic spatial and temporal scales of modern electronics.
(ii) Thin-film evaporation from nanostructured surfaces: Nanostructured surfaces provide a much larger surface area for heat exchange compared to smooth surfaces, enhancing heat transfer rates, and making evaporation more efficient.
This research focuses on atomistic modeling of this transport phenomena.
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Faculty Contacts: A. Beskok, H. Karbasian, A. Dogru, P. Raad
In our research, we use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to address issues in engineering fields, such as aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy technologies.
We use high-fidelity CFD approaches, such as large eddy simulation, offering detailed insights into turbulent flow characteristics. By combining AI and CFD, we develop surrogate models that accelerate simulations by reducing computational costs while maintaining reasonable accuracy, enabling rapid iterations and real-time adjustments in design and control processes.
The synergy of AI and High-Performance Computing in CFD represents a significant advancement in optimization and innovation in various engineering applications.
Aerodynamics and Propulsion Systems
Faculty Contacts: H. Karbasian
This research field advances technologies in innovative propulsion systems of electric aircraft, such as electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles.
Our work involves aerodynamic analysis and improving propulsion designs of eVTOLs to elevate their efficiency and reduce their acoustic footprint, ensuring they meet the demanding requirements for urban air mobility.
We utilize Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) to investigate the effect of unsteady flow on aerodynamic performance and structural characteristics of the device. This integration results in the development of more efficient, quieter, and innovative aerospace solutions.
