The multiphase flow and complex fluid systems program investigates non-Newtonian, multiphase, turbulent, and/or chemically reacting flows over multiple length and time scales. We develop unique experimental and computational techniques that advance our understanding of fluid flow phenomena and enable engineering applications, including fuel and chemical production; biomass transport; particle dispersion; and heat exchangers in evaporators, boilers, and condensers.

The efforts of this program pioneer new theories and models of multiphase flow and complex fluid processes and validate these processes through novel experimental techniques and exploration tools. Faculty working in these areas have a wide range of research interests including flow visualization and mixing; direct numerical simulation and modeling; uncertainty quantification and multiscale modeling; device-scale multiphase simulations; multiscale microfluidics; lab-on-a-chip, diagnostics and therapeutics; fluid-structure interaction; scientific visualization and GPU computing; self-assembly of complex fluids; biomass and energy systems analysis; laser/optical diagnostics; microscale sensing; and combustion of fuels and energetic materials.

Faculty researchers: Sarah Bentil, Jonathan Claussen, Baskar Ganapathysubramanian, Nicole Hashemi, Ted Heindel, Ming-Chen Hsu, Jaime Juárez, Todd Kingston, Adarsh Krishnamurthy, Jongyhun Lee, Mark Mba-Wright, James Michael, Michael Olsen, Alberto Passalacqua, Soumik Sarkar, Travis Sippel, Shankar Subramaniam