Python, Cantera, Computational Engineering

• Prepared scripts: Developed custom scripts to calculate the Adiabatic Flame Temperature (AFT) for different gases, including methane and various natural gas compositions.

• Combustion efficiency evaluation: Assessed the efficiency of combustion processes and specifically investigated the impact of air-preheat temperature on the AFT of alkanes.

• AFT determination: Utilized the developed scripts to determine the AFT for the gases under study, enabling a comprehensive understanding of their combustion behaviour.

• Cantera network analysis: Utilized Cantera, a software suite for chemical kinetics, to analyse reaction networks. Identified the top reactions in the network based on their reaction rates, providing insights into the most significant reactions occurring during combustion processes.

Python, MATLAB, File Parsing, Computational Engineering

• Prepared scripts: Developed computer programs/scripts for textbook examples related to various topics, including the motion of a pendulum, air standard cycles, the Newton-Raphson method, and the Genetic Algorithm. These scripts were designed to simulate and analyse the behaviour and characteristics of these systems, providing a practical understanding of the concepts.

• File parsing and visualisation: Extracted and processed data from case files generated by a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. This involved parsing the file structure to extract relevant information and then visualising the results using appropriate techniques. This enabled a better understanding of the simulated fluid flow and its associated variables.

• Developed scripts for the OpenFOAM software to prepare BlockMeshDict files, which define the computational mesh. These scripts simulated various cases, including lid-driven cavity, backward step flow, and Hagen-Poiseuille flow. These simulations provide insights into fluid behaviour and validate the accuracy of the computational models.

• Tri-diagonal matrix algorithm implementation: Utilized the Tri-diagonal matrix algorithm to solve the problem of determining the temperature distribution of a thin rod with different boundary conditions. Discretising the rod into nodes and applying the algorithm, the temperature values at each node were calculated, providing insights into how temperature varied across the rod under various boundary conditions.

• Curve fitting and regression analysis: Employed Python programming to perform curve fitting and regression analysis on different data types. This involved fitting mathematical models to experimental or empirical data, such as data from steam tables, data books, or even random sources. The analysis aimed to find the best-fit curve or equation that accurately represents the data and to extract meaningful information or relationships from the given dataset.

ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, COMSOL Multiphysics, MATLAB, Immersed Boundary Method, Conjugate Heat Transfer, Reacting flows, Engauge Digitizer, Data Extraction and Handling

• Implemented MacCormack's numerical scheme method to simulate the flow through a converging-diverging nozzle. This method allows for accurate predictions of fluid flow behaviour in complex geometries.

• Conducted simulations and validation for different cases, such as flow through a mixing tee, flow over an Ahmed body, and observation of Von-Karman vortex shedding in flow over a cylinder. Evaluated vital parameters, including the coefficient of drag and respective dimensionless numbers, to understand the aerodynamic characteristics of these cases. Conducted parametric studies using input parameters such as mesh element size, number of elements, and geometric length. Evaluated outputs such as drag force, lift force, temperature, and flow rate to analyse the sensitivity of these parameters and their impact on system performance.

• Performed conjugate heat transfer analysis on exhaust ports and graphic cards to evaluate heat transfer coefficients, surface temperatures, and other related parameters. This analysis helps assess thermal performance and optimise these components' cooling strategies. 

• Conducted simulations of multiphase flows, including the Rayleigh-Taylor instability and Cyclone separator. These simulations provide insights into complex phenomena, such as interfacial instabilities and particle separation, aiding in designing and optimising related systems. Other works involved distinct fluid phases, exploring modelling techniques like homogeneous flow and drift flux models. This work looks into the significance of the slip law within the drift flux model to understand two-phase flow behaviour. Simulation performed on bubbly flow through a pipe reveal initial pressure peaks due to acceleration, followed by friction-driven pressure changes. Comparison of approximations using first and second-order upwind schemes shows that larger diameters intensify pressure fluctuations and gas void fraction. The second-order scheme closely aligns with flow trends, but no significant improvement over the first-order scheme is found.

• Addressed thermal management challenges, such as numerical simulations of heat pipe cooling for photovoltaic (PV) systems, modelling of thermosyphon-assisted cooling systems, and battery thermal management systems. These simulations assist in optimising thermal performance, ensuring system reliability, and enhancing overall efficiency.

• Addressed challenges in using bluff bodies for flame anchorage in micro-combustors. Instead of conventional geometries, novel designs are proposed, inspired by everyday observations. Computational simulations investigate their impact on flow and flame in a premixed lean hydrogen and air micro-combustor. Results shown that corner recirculation zones anchor the flame, particularly in multi-chambered combustors where inserted ribs act as orifices, enhancing exhaust gas recirculation, preheating, and flame stability. This work enhanced the understanding of flame anchoring, aiding micro-combustor design and optimization.