International Collaboration Sabbatical - Beyond Navier-Stokes: computational gas dynamics for rarefied flow technologies

This project is about helping transform UK capabilities in simulating and designing future technologies that depend on the flow of rarefied gases, including micro gas fuel cells for powering portable electronic devices with low environmental impact, micro aerodynamic control devices for aircraft, and high-speed high-altitude flight. In order to reach beyond the limitations of conventional fluid dynamic models, we propose new collaboration and knowledge exchange between leading research groups at the University of Strathclyde, the University of Michigan, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Together, we will create a unique suite of computational tools for the highly dilute gas conditions found at the microscale and in upper planetary atmospheres, that will bring to the UK a new international capability to tackle some of the most challenging engineering flow problems over the next 20 years.

The key goal of this sabbatical project is to construct a state-of-the-art simulation tool that will support the design and development in the UK and internationally of technologies that depend on rarefied gas dynamics, in particular, with thermochemical processes.

For example, the applicant has already worked on the aerodynamic design of Skylon, a high-speed high-altitude aircraft proposed by Reaction Engines Ltd in response to the EU's LAPCAT II project. The primary route for knowledge exchange with, and impact in, UK industry will be this ongoing collaboration with Reaction Engines Ltd. Building new capabilities for our aerothermodynamics modelling during this sabbatical will impact Reaction Engines Ltd and the Skylon project directly, enhancing its competitiveness against other designs.

In order to realise additional UK impact, the developed software will be released as documented open-source code to the engineering flow systems design community internationally. This stae-of-the-art computational tool will promote the UK as a world leader in rarefied gas flow simulation. Economic benefit will then accrue to the UK indirectly because, while the code is open-source, it is managed and maintained by a UK company, OpenCFD Ltd. Opportunities for training and consultancy using the new models developed during the sabbatical will therefore follow.

The extended period of the visit, as well as the involvement of other research group members from the UK, means that the new knowledge gained from the US partners will be embedded in the practise of our UK group, and influence its strategic direction. Through the excellent opportunities it provides to the travelling research group members, the project will also contribute to the training and education of a new UK workforce with the necessary multidisciplinary knowledge and skills to develop future rarefied flow technologies.