Department of Mechanical Engineering

ME Seminar - Transport Phenomena in Complex Two and Three-Phase Flow Systems

 

Mechanical Engineering Seminar
Faculty Candidate
Friday, March 2, 2007
11:00 A.M., 3004/3006 Black Engineering Building

Transport Phenomena in Complex Two and Three-Phase Flow Systems

by
Muhammad Khalid Akbar, Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor of GWW School of Mechanical Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology Savannah

Abstract
Two and three-phase flow processes involving gas, liquid and solid, are common in nature and industry, and include some of the most complex and poorly-understood transport problems.  Although significant research has been done on these topics, the complexity of the various systems where they occur poses ever growing challenges.  For example, the detrimental effects of micro and nano inclusion particles in molten steel and final steel products warrants finding better ways to get rid of pesky particles; the environmental and economic issues dictate the need for further research on fiber-liquid-gas slurry flow in search of optimum mass transfer and bleaching conditions; and the transport and retention of radioactive particles during nuclear reactor accidents need to be understood for the assessment of the consequences of such accidents.  These and other similar processes pose unique challenges which can not be ignored, nor have easy solutions available.  In this talk, an overview of the challenges and possible solutions of the hydrodynamics, heat, and mass transfer processes in a few complex two and three-phase flows will be presented.  In addition, I will briefly present my research and teaching achievements and plans.

Biography
Dr. Muhammad Akbar received his PhD in December 2004 from Georgia Institute of Technology. His dissertation dealt with transport phenomena in complex two and three-phase flow systems.  His dissertation earned the GWW School of Mechanical Engineering nomination for the Georgia Tech Chapter Sigma Xi Best PhD Thesis Award in 2005, and lead to 7 archival publications.  Dr. Akbar currently is a visiting assistant professor at George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering of Georgia Institute of Technology – Savannah Campus. He has established, developed, and taught two undergraduate laboratories at Georgia Tech Savannah campus from the scratch, and has written several laboratory manuals.  He is dedicated towards excellence in both education and research, and has received recognitions in both as a student and a faculty.

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