Core Research Division, Transdisciplinary Fluid Integration Research Center

Reality-Coupled Computation Laboratory

Our laboratory mainly focuses on the research and systematization based on the phenomenologically verified computation for the development of advanced multiphase fluid machinery and the optimization of mechanical design in connection with the frontier energy and environmental problems using the transdisciplinary fluid integration method which closely combined with experimental and computational technique. Especially, the cluster type parallel computing method with feed back processing of segmented measurement data is extensively applied to improve the numerical accuracy in transdisciplinary analysis and to improve the design optimization for new-type multiphase fluid applications.

Development on the frontier active cooling system using micro-solid two-phase flow The characteristic features of the new-type cooling system using the micro-solid two-phase flow are; 1) Reduction in the pressure loss of working refrigerant flow in the transfer tube becomes possible, 2) MEMS cooling in the micro channel is implemented by appropriate manipulation of the micro-order slush particle size, 3) Fluid acceleration and heat transfer enhancement becomes possible due to the solid-phase pumping effect. The objective for this research is the optimization and performance improvement for this cooling system.

(a) Schematic diagram of the active cooling system using micro-solid two-phase flow (b) Numerical result of the micro-solid phase volume fraction profiles

Development of Integrated Simulation technique on Atomization Mechanism in a Injector Nozzle The research program on atomization and multi-phase processes in injector nozzle in vehicle gasoline engine or liquid fuel rocket combustor is multi-disciplinary in the sense that it involves the disciplines of multi-phase systems, measuring techniques and modeling. We are mainly focusing on the break-up process of liquid column, formation of liquid film, and the formation of small droplets and droplets at the exit section of nozzle outlet (single nozzle aperture). The cluster type parallel computing method with feed back processing of segmented measurement data is extensively applied to the integrated simulation technique on the liquid atomization mechanism for the advanced injector nozzle design.

Development of the frontier mico-scaled power generation system using functional multiphase fluid This research project mainly focus on the development of the frontier micro-scaled power generation system using functional multiphase fluid and its two-phase electromagnetic body force by applying the magnetization or electrical characteristics to the working fluid. The numerical and experimental integrated prediction analysis is progressed to realize the further development and high performance of the hybrid two-phase power generation system combining with pre- or post-power generation apparatus for the conventional LMMHD systems.

Schematic diagram of the two-phase MHD power generation system using electrically conducting magnetic fluid and its flow characteristics by numerical prediction.