Our research
Thermal-Fluid Interfacial Engineering group is focused on understanding the fundamentals of liquid-liquid and liquid-solid interactions in the micro/nanoscale for enhancing efficiency and reliability in power generation/consumption, water purification/separation, oil & gas production/processing, and transportation industries. Our group design surfaces and interfaces and study their interaction with single and multiphase systems.
Particular areas of interest include:
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Studying fundamentals of ice/snow interaction with surfaces and developing active, passive, and administrative strategies for mitigating ice, snow, and frost accumulation issues.
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Exploring fundamentals of fluid-solid interaction in single or multiphase systems, especially phase change processes (i.e. boiling, condensation, and freezing).
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Developing strategies for flow assurance in the oil & gas industry (i.e. nucleation and adhesion of hydrates, asphaltene, and scale).
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Developing reliable solutions for oil/water separation and emulsion formation.
Our group is focused on conducting research related to various types of atmospheric icing, from frost, to rime, to freezing rain and snow. We are working with various industries such as auto (i.e. autonomous vehicles), aviation (i.e. drones), solar power generation, and transportation (i.e. bridge operators) to mitigate atmospheric icing issues. Particular areas of interest and projects are:
Administration of Bridges During Severe Weather Conditions Using Metrological Data and Snow/Ice Accumulation and Shedding Models.
Prevention of Snow Accumulation on Camera Lenses of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs).
Facilitating Snow Removal from Solar Panels via Developing Transparent Coatings.
Delaying Frost Growth Using Nanoengineered Microporous Surfaces.
Facilitating Snow Removal from Surfaces via Developing Transparent Coatings.
Real-Time Detection of Ice and Non-Destructive Measurement of Liquid Water Content (LWC) in Snow.
Reducing Ice Friction Coefficient via Developing Nanocomposite Surfaces.
Minimizing Ice Formation via Reducing Contact Time of Freezing Rain Droplets.