RESEARCH PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES
Our research is focused on computational and experimental thermal-hydraulics and fluid-dynamics. In particular, we develop and apply high-resolution measurement techniques and we develop multi-physics, multi-scale computational frameworks to tackle complex thermofluids problems in engineering.
EXPERIMENTAL
COMPUTATIONAL
Development of Novel Measurement Techniques
We develop novel, advanced techniques for high-resolution measurements. Development includes:
- Wire-mesh sensors
- Extensions of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) techniques
- Gamma-tomography
- High-speed X-ray radiography and X-ray tomography
More information can be found on our Instrumentation webpage.
High-resolution Experiments
We perform high-resolution experiments to gain enhanced physical insight in not well understood phenomena and to gather experimental data for validation of CFD codes, subchannel codes and system analysis codes. On-going projects include:
- Multiple jets interactions
- Buoyant jets in stratified environments
- Propagation of stratified fronts
- Two-phase flow in helical coils heat exchangers
- Thermal fatigue in isolated branch lines
- Void fraction distributions in fuel bundles
- Void-fraction and two-phase flow topology in post-CHF flow regimes at high pressure
More information can be found on our the individual projects’ links.
Multi-scale, multi-physics simulations
CFD Simulations (including RANS, LES and DNS)
We perform CFD simulations and CFD models validation for:
- single phase mixing
- two-phase flows including boiling
- flows in complex components/complex geometries
Examples of on-going computational projects include:
- Multiple jets interactions
- Buoyant jets in stratified environments
- Propagation of stratified fronts
- Two-phase flow in helical coils heat exchangers
- Thermal fatigue in isolated branch lines
- Void fraction distributions in fuel bundles
More information can be found on our the individual projects’ links.
Validation and model development for system analysis codes
- TRACE, RELAP5
- operational transient and accident scenarios for LWRs
- two-phase flow models