School of Engineering (ENG)

Thermo-Fluid, Petroleum and Energy Engineering

People

Dr Jim Buick, Dr Andrew Aspden, Dr Andrea Bucchi, Dr Lixin Cheng, Dr Prashant Jadhawar

Research Activities

Computational Fluid Mechanics

We are interested in both the development of numerical methods for fluid mechanics, fluid-structure interaction and also the use of CFD for range of industrial applications. Particular areas of interest include: application of CFD to arterial blood flow; simulation of non-Newtonian fluids; simulation of phenomena involving the interaction of acoustic waves and fluid flow; turbulence; chemical mixing; combustion; wave energy device; development of application of the lattice Boltzmann Method. Simulations are performed using software including Abaqus, ANSYS (Fluent), Lattice Boltzmann software, finite volume and finite element software.

Multiphase Flow and Heat Transfer

Our interest is in fundamental multi-phase flow and heat and mass transfer, as well as investigating practical problems, particularly in macro- and micro-channels. The current research focuses on boiling and condensation, oil-gas-water flow and drag reduction in multiphase flow with polymeric additives.

Enhanced Oil and Gas Recovery, Flow Assurance

Research focuses on classical reservoir engineering; enhanced oil and gas recovery; CO2 sequestration & storage; natural gas hydrates; coal bed methane; black oil & compositional reservoir simulation; reservoir fluid characterization; flow assurance issues related to gas hydrates; and asphaltenes & wax.

Thermal and Renewable Energy Systems

Modelling and development of thermal energy systems such as air conditioning, refrigeration, heat pumps and geothermal systems using natural working fluids; compact and micro heat exchangers; enhanced heat transfer technology applications in thermal and renewable energy systems; and simulation and modelling of turbulence-flame interactions in turbulent premixed flames.