Fluid Engineering Laboratory 

Our laboratory was established in September 2013 with the purpose of proposing and developing environment-friendly energy conversion devices using functional fluids (smart fluids). We conduct fundamental and applied studies on energy conversions and environmental protection technologies using functional fluids. Functional fluids, which differ from common fluids such as air and water, include magnetic fluid that responds to a magnetic field, electrorheological fluid (ER fluid) whose viscosity can be controlled by an electrical field, magnetorheological fluid (MR fluid) whose viscosity can be controlled by a magnetic field, liquid crystal, blood that has hemostatic-bactericidal actions and oxygen transportation function, as well as plasma, which can enhance chemical reactions, and supercritical fluid, which has unique properties intermediate between liquid and gas. These properties can be applied to chemical processes and energy conversion systems. The unique properties of functional fluids have unlimited potential for engineering applications. Moreover, some properties and behaviors of functional fluids are still unclear from a physics standpoint, and it is important that we continue to investigate these properties.

In our laboratory, we aim to propose and develop applications of renewable energy and technologies for environmental protection using functional fluids. To achieve this, we are carrying out the following subjects:

1. Energy conversion systems for renewable energy (such as solar energy, waste heat, etc.).

2. Technologies to reduce the environmental impact of existing energy conversion devices."