Fluid Mechanics
Using powerful computers and algorithms, laser diagnostic devices, and holography, MEAM Fluid Mechanics researchers are probing into the fundamental physics of fluids. They are using numerical simulations and experimental studies to understand the fundamental structures and processes of fluid flows with direct applications to the automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, and naval industries.
Collaborating extensively within MEAM and with researchers in other U-M departments, Fluid Mechanics faculty members and students are studying flows around cars, ships, and fish; combusting flows in turbomachinery; dendrites near a solidifying metal interface; and dispersion of atmospheric pollutants. Experimental studies include highly innovative investigations of basic fluid processes such as cavitation, turbulence, acoustics, internal combustion and diesel engine processes, and two-phase flow.


MAJOR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Studies of:

  • turbulence in eddies and whirls, wall flows, and acoustics, with automotive, aerospace, and naval applications;
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  • the behavior of cavitation (when the absolute pressure of a liquid is reduced below its vapor pressure) by fluid flow, which can seriously affect the performance of hydromachinery, especially ship propulsion systems;
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  • materials processing in welding and solidification study of lubrication in such automotive applications as bearings and seals;
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  • numerical simulations of multi-phase flows, with applications to spray combustion, spray painting, rain, and boiling heat transfer;
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  • viscoelastic materials that are part fluid, part solid, such as polymers, plastics, and composites;
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  • the properties and formation of a wide variety of fibers, including glass and polymers.


    • Read about Donald C. Graham, Founder and Chairman, the Graham Companies, York, Pensylvania...


    FACILITIES
    Faculty members and students in Fluid Mechanics conduct their research in four technologically advanced laboratories. The Computational Fluid Dynamics Lab features state-of-the-art computer work stations. In the Complex Fluids Lab, researchers can simultaneously measure the visible microstructure and the associated stresses of fluids. The experimental data are then used to quantitatively evaluate molecular and/or microstructural constitutive equations. The Cavitation and Multiphase Flow Lab is furnished with a blow down cavitation tunnel, recirculating water tunnel and a variety of flow visualization equipment and multiphase flow probes. The Technical Fluid Dynamics Lab features a Sun Sparcstation 10, Datacube MV-200 image processing system, 33-ton Cincinnati-Milacron injection molding machine, optical table and components and capillary-wave/surfactant wave tank and water purification system.


    FACULTY
    Rayhaneh Akhavan
    Claus Borgnakke
    Steven L. Ceccio
    David R. Dowling
    David W. Mead
    William W. Schultz
    Grétar Tryggvason

    JOINT FACULTY APPOINTMENTS
    Stanley J. Jacobs, with AOSS


    Research Activities


    Research Introduction | Biomechanics | Design | Dynamics | Vibrations
    Computational Mechanics | Fluid Mechanics | Heat Transfer | Combustion | Thermodynamics
    Manufacturing | Materials | Solid Mechanics | Systems and Control

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