FDL Research

Our laboratory research focuses on fluid dynamics and heat transfer in micro- and macro-scale flows.

RESEARCH INTERESTS:

Geophysical Fluid Dynamics:

Volcanic eruptions can dramatically impact aviation, agriculture, and the environment. We use laboratory-scale plume analogues to study a variety of geophysical mechanisms, including overpressured entrainment, vent evolution, and ash aggregation. Using high-accuracy PIV methods, we have demonstrated a significant reduction in air entrainment for near-vent and overpressured conditions when compared to traditional models, indicating that plume analyses may overpredict their growth. Through an ongoing, NSF-supported study, we have demonstrated that turbulence modifies clustering of ash particles within a plume, leading to a rapid growth and fallout of larger particles. Other geophysical phenomena, including dam breaches and surfzone eddies, have also been explored. We continue to collaborate with partners at the USGS, Stanford, Portland State, the University of Oregon, and the Smithsonian Institution.

 

Enhanced Thermal Management of Electronics:

Electronics have rapidly decreased in size over the past few decades, which has led to significant challenges with control of heat loss. This is particularly problematic at “hot spots”, where local heat fluxes are of similar scale to the surface of the sun. We use a variety of thermal management techniques to alleviate these loads, applying micro-fabrication techniques to produce novel cooling devices. We use micro-scale enhancement methods to improve traditional micro-channel cooling technology for electronics cooling. We have computationally optimized and fabricated serpentine channels and dimple enhancements, and we have measured their experimental benefits using micro-PIV and infrared thermography. These modules are being developed into laser diodes and power electronics systems along with industry partners at nLight Photonics and GE Global Research, respectively. More recently, we have studied novel synthetic jet actuators, which use an oscillating driver to produce a jet flow without a fluid source. Along with partners at Ozyegin University and Auburn University, we have demonstrated significantly improved local heat transfer using compact devices.

 

Biomimetic Flow Control:

Biological systems can be mimicked using engineering technology, utilizing unique physical properties to develop high-performance fluid systems. In our laboratory, we have investigated devices based on feathers (micro-flaps), jellyfish (synthetic jets), the human circulatory system (manifolds), and manta rays (airfoils) using computational simulations and PIV experiments. These studies have assessed the lift, drag, and pressure performance of larger-scale applications, as well as the fundamental flow physics.

Additional Interests:

• Micro-fluidics
• Renewable energy
• Advanced fluid diagnostic methods