Multiscale Physics
The Multiscale Physics Department (MSP) conducts research into single and multiphase flows both in nature and in industry, the aim being to contribute to a more sustainable society.The dimensions of the systems and phenomena studied range from micrometres to kilometres. One time it may be a question of computing a fluid flow with gas bubbles in a microcapillary, another time investigating a turbulent mixture in a chemical reactor or the behaviour of sand particles in a river. While these flows may seem very different at first sight, at a fundamental level they have a lot in common.
MSP does both experimental work and computer modelling, in approximately equal quantities.The aim is to predict the behaviour of fluid flows as accurately as possible, using simulations on large supercomputers. In the case of phenomena at the smallest scales this involves making model assumptions. The experiments are designed (a) to test the computer simulations against reality and (b) to provide certain constants needed for correct modelling.
A unique feature of the Department is that it has facilities for conducting experiments on a very large scale.Oil producers such as Shell, for example, are often faced with the problem of large quantities of gas being contained in the oil they extract. The gas bubbles cause sudden changes in pressure in the system, which can cause undesirable situations. Multiscale Physics simulates this situation in the lab using a 150 metre-long tube with a mixture of water and air flowing through it.
A recent development in the Department is modelling the formation of clouds and their influence on climate change.Whereas meteorologists confine themselves mainly to measuring the atmosphere, MSP creates and studies clouds in the lab with the aim of finding out whether global warming is causing more or fewer clouds, thus intensifying or mitigating the warming respectively. This is an important factor which is largely unknown and is causing major uncertainties in the predictions of current climate models.
Contact
Name:
| Prof.dr.ir. H.E.A. van den Akker
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E-mail address:
|
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Phone number:
| +31 (0)15 27 85000
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Faculty/Unit:
| Technische Natuurwetenschappen
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Department:
| MSP/Industr.&Environm. Proc.
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Street:
| Prins Bernhardlaan 6
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Room number:
| W 110
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Postal code:
| 2628 BW
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City:
| Delft
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Country:
| Nederland
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Link: http://kramerslab.tn.tudelft.nl/
