Fluids and Thermal Sciences
Research in this group is in two main areas: fundamental fluid mechanics, drag reduction and control, and applied thermodynamics and internal combustion engines. The group is generally considered the premier research group in both of these areas nationally, and a prominent group worldwide. Building on this longstanding, strong research tradition in both areas, the next few years will see substantial further growth of the group, mainly through its recent large successes in obtaining grant income. These currently total over $3.3M for the period 2006-2008, and come from ARC Discovery and Linkage grants, other government grants, and industrial collaboration.
The next 3-5 years will see the group expand its activities in fundamental studies of turbulence, acoustics, and micro-scale fluid flows, as well as the modelling and control of combustion engines and emissions. This research is becoming more multi-disciplinary, with substantial recent and planned investment in high-powered laser diagnostic techniques, high performance computation, and advanced control methods.
Collaboration with Alstom (Switzerland), CERFACS (France), CSIRO, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), Ford Australia, Cambridge University, University of Minnesota, Princeton University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and the Technical University of Munich will also grow.
Group Members:
Prof Ivan Marusic (Director)
Prof Min Chong
Prof Saman Halgamuge (also in Biomechanical Engineering)
Assoc Prof Andrew Ooi
Dr Michael Brear
Dr Colin Burvill
Dr Nick Hutchins
Dr Chris Manzie
Dr Jason Monty
Dr Daniel Riley
Dr Alan Smith
Dr Kenong Xia (also in Biomechanical Engineering)
Core Facilities:
- Walter Bassett Aerodynamics Laboratory
- Advanced Centre for Automotive Research & Testing (ACART)
- Thermodynamics Laboratory