Mar 2023
Kaust Zoom meeting ID: 968 3265 8219 (Requires fast registration)
Or go directly to: https://kaust.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIldOuuqzMoG913NaIqUf8w-5gnSphrhVLD
The use of electromagnetic fields and nanotechnologies to achieve full control of the reaction process is proposed as a new paradigm for next generation hybrid thermal-electrical propulsion systems. The vision is first presented in the context of electrification of transportation and sustainability of hard-to-decarbonise sectors, such as aviation. The effect of electrostatic fields on the reaction kinetics is then discussed by means of results obtained using molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics simulations. Systems with different level of complexity are investigated, ranging from gaseous combustion to the use of nano and micro metal powers both as fuel additive and fuel substitute. The behaviour of both heavy hydrocarbons and zero-carbon fuels is analysed. Electrostatic modulation of charged nanofuel sprays is then introduced as a novel technology for the control of mixing. Non-reacting large-eddy and direct numerical simulations are discussed to analyse the competing effects of drag and electrical forces on the trajectory of evaporating droplets and the resulting vapour-air mixing. The concept of engineered bubbles as carriers of gaseous fuels is eventually presented, together with experiments on the effects of a magnetic field on thin ferrofluid films. A discussion of current research challenges and pathways for innovation in the transportation sector closes the seminar.
Andrea Giusti is a Lecturer in Thermofluids in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London. He obtained his PhD in 2014 at the University of Florence and then he joined the Engineering Department at the University of Cambridge as Rolls-Royce Research Associate. He became Rolls-Royce Senior Research Associate in 2017. He was appointed as Lecturer by Imperial College in October 2018. Currently, he is also Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Spray and Combustion Dynamics (SAGE publications); member of the organising committee of the International Workshop on Turbulent Combustion of Sprays, active member of the British Section of the Combustion Institute; and Bye-Fellow of Fitzwilliam College in Cambridge. Andrea has published about 40 Journal papers (including a review paper) addressing different challenges in combustion science and technology, ranging from the modelling of extreme events and indirect noise in turbulent reacting flows, to multi-physics interactions in multi-phase flows. Both applied and fundamental research are covered by his work and the work of his research team.