Abstract:
Multiphase flows are common to natural, industrial and engineered processes. A multiphase flow is one in which one phase – solid, liquid, or gas – is dispersed in a dynamic liquid or gas environment. From a simulation perspective, under-resolution of the phase interface is common in simulations of engineering interest. However, being able to capture or represent the dynamics at the interface is key to better simulation and prediction. Poor characterization of interfacial curvature degrades the physical fidelity of important small-scale interfacial dynamics, including capillary breakup. It is therefore important to develop numerical methods for computing curvature that perform adequately at low resolutions. I will present a finite particle method for the simulation of turbulent sprays that is computationally affordable, capable of subgrid-scale resolution and extendable to large eddy simulation. My group has also developed a rich set of modeling tools to predict the dynamics of molecular clusters and nanoparticles in complex flow systems. I will discuss gas-particle flows that utilize sophisticated particle dynamics along with with fully-resolved fluid, thermal, and chemical transport. We simulated smoke originating from pyrolysis vapor expelled from a heated sample in a geometry similar to that considered in the Smoke Aerosol Measurement Experiment (SAME) performed aboard the International Space Station. SAME was performed to provide a better understanding of smoke generation aboard spacecraft. Fire produces heat, smoke, and toxic gases that can threaten human life. Fire detection is a key step in mitigating the risk to life and material. However, the fire detection systems aboard spacecraft were all designed based on smoke generation, or fire dynamics, in the terrestrial environment where gravity generates buoyancy. We utilize modeling and simulation to compare the smoke generated under terrestrial and micro gravity environments.
Biography:
Sean C. Garrick became the inaugural Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in July 2019. Dr. Garrick leads the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion unit and his purview extends over the Office for Access & Equity, the Title IX and Disability Office, Academic Inclusive Excellence and the Office for Business Community Economic Development. In addition, Garrick serves on the Chancellor’s leadership team, providing vision and advice on diversity and social justice issues.
Prior to Illinois, Garrick was Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities where his scholarship focused on the modeling and simulation of turbulent, reacting, multiphase flows. Garrick earned his PhD in mechanical engineering in 1998 from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
