Research Themes

2-D Materials

The rapidly advancing science of manipulating solid-liquid interfaces at micro and nano sizes has great potential for a wide range of applications. By altering the surface chemistry or topography of solids, it is possible to precisely adjust properties such as wettability and adhesion. This opens up opportunities for innovation in various fields, including self-cleaning coatings, microfluidic devices, wettability sensors, heat transfer mechanisms, self-assembly techniques, catalysts, and thermal management systems. The manipulation of interfacial properties not only promotes progress in technology but also supports worldwide objectives of water and energy security. By employing a method that starts at the smallest scale and concentrates on making tiny changes, the goal is to create long-lasting technologies that improve how easily and effectively we can access and use water and energy. This will help us achieve our objectives of making water and energy sustainable worldwide. 

Nanofluid Heat Transfer

A cutting-edge approach to sustainable energy systems is nanofluid heat transfer, which combines fluid dynamics and nanotechnology to transform thermal management. Nanofluids improve heat transfer efficiency by dispersing nanoparticles inside a base fluid, like water or oil, and exhibiting remarkable thermal conductivity and convective characteristics. By enhancing the functionality of heat exchangers, radiators, and cooling systems in a variety of applications, such as renewable energy generation and energy-efficient buildings, this innovation supports the objectives of sustainable energy systems. Researchers are maximising heat transmission while minimising environmental impact by carefully experimenting and developing nanofluid compositions. This is opening the door to more effective and environmentally friendly thermal management solutions in the field of renewable energy. 

Fluid Structure Interaction

Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) is a dynamic interdisciplinary field at the forefront of engineering and physics, encapsulating the complex interaction between deformable structures and surrounding fluids. In this intricate interplay, the behavior of both the structure and the fluid mutually influence each other, resulting in diverse phenomena ranging from fluttering of flags in wind to the biomechanics of blood flow in arteries. FSI finds application in various domains such as aerospace, civil engineering, biomechanics, and sustainable energy systems, where understanding the intricate coupling between fluid dynamics and structural mechanics is crucial for optimizing design, enhancing performance, and ensuring structural integrity. This academic discipline delves into the nuanced mechanics governing the interactions, employing advanced computational methods, experimental techniques, and theoretical frameworks to unravel the underlying complexities and advance technological frontiers. 

Energy Studies of Buildings

Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) is a dynamic interdisciplinary field at the forefront of engineering and physics, encapsulating the complex interaction between deformable structures and surrounding fluids. In this intricate interplay, the behavior of both the structure and the fluid mutually influence each other, resulting in diverse phenomena ranging from fluttering of flags in wind to the biomechanics of blood flow in arteries. FSI finds application in various domains such as aerospace, civil engineering, biomechanics, and sustainable energy systems, where understanding the intricate coupling between fluid dynamics and structural mechanics is crucial for optimizing design, enhancing performance, and ensuring structural integrity. This academic discipline delves into the nuanced mechanics governing the interactions, employing advanced computational methods, experimental techniques, and theoretical frameworks to unravel the underlying complexities and advance technological frontiers. 

Interfacial Phenomena and Multiphase Microfluidics

Interfacial phenomena and Multiphase Microfluidics explore the fascinating intersection of fluid dynamics with sustainable energy systems, leading to creative solutions on a small scale. In this field, the interaction between immiscible phases controls a wide range of phenomena, including the precise adjustment of surface tension forces and the complex movement of droplets and bubbles. These phenomena provide the basis for advanced applications in sustainable energy, enabling accurate manipulation and control of fluid interfaces to improve energy conversion and storage. Furthermore, Multiphase Microfluidics provides a means to achieve sustainable energy systems by facilitating effective blending, regulation of reactions, and creation of materials in small-scale channels. 

Droplet  Dynamics

Droplet dynamics is a fascinating area of study in fluid mechanics that examines the complicated behaviour of liquid droplets as they interact with their environment. Droplets display a wide range of fascinating events, influenced by surface tension, viscosity, and external pressures, from their formation to their ultimate demise. As liquid particles separate, combine, or crash into each other, their paths and forms undergo complex changes, simulating a sophisticated choreography guided by the principles of physics. The interaction between droplet dynamics and sustainable energy systems has significant ramifications. Droplet dynamics are particularly important in processes such as fuel combustion, spray cooling in power plants, and the behaviour of water droplets in renewable energy systems like solar panels. Comprehending the dynamics of droplets not only reveals fundamental principles of how fluids behave, but also has the potential to enhance energy conversion and utilisation, so contributing to a more sustainable future. 

Electrokinetics

Electrokinetics is a fascinating field that explores the complex interaction between electric fields and fluid dynamics. It has great potential for the development of sustainable energy systems. By precisely manipulating electric charges, electrokinetics provides methods to regulate the motion and characteristics of fluids, colloids, and particles on a small scale, namely at the micro and nanoscales. The applications of this technology are wide-ranging, encompassing fields like as biotechnology, environmental engineering, and microfluidics. It offers creative solutions for the generation and utilisation of sustainable energy. Researchers investigate the utilisation of electrophoresis, electroosmosis, and dielectrophoresis to improve energy efficiency, optimise processes in renewable energy technologies, and advance energy storage systems. Academic research in electrokinetics enhances our comprehension of fundamental physical principles and promotes the creation of environmentally friendly solutions that drive the shift towards a more sustainable energy future.