Fluid Mechanics

Main research domains of STRO: 1. Computational Fluid Dynamics Computational Fluid Dynamics, in short CFD, is the technology aimed at the computer simulation of flows of liquids and gases. It is presently applied widely in research and industry, in all areas where the motion of fluids are important. In particular, aerodynamics, aerospace, hydraulics, environmental studies of air and water pollution dispersion and transport, wind energy, automotive industry, turbomachinery, combustion, chemical processes, heat exchangers, etc... The Department of Fluid Mechanics (Vakgroep Stromingsmechnica) has a broad experience in CFD, in algorithmic developments as well as in pre-and post-processing tools, such as grid generation and visualisation software systems. 2. Turbomachinery The Department has a large expertise in the area of internal flows in turbomachinery, compressors, pumps, turbines, both at the experimental as well as at the numerical simulation levels. 3. Experimental studies and modelisation of Turbulence Turbulence is a major component of practically all flow situations encountered in nature and in technology and is characterised by an unstable stochastic behaviour of all flow quantities, such as velocity, pressure, temperature. The experimental study of turbulence and its modelisation are one of the most challenging subjects of present day fluid mechanics. 4. Wind Energy The Department has been active in wind energy for many years and has developed and designed vertical and horizontal wind turbines. Also, we have been instrumenting and measuring many large scale industrial wind turbines from 50 kW to 750 kW. In addition various computer programmes for the static and dynamic behaviour of Wind Turbines have been developed. 5. Wind Engineering The Department of Fluid Mechanics has two large wind tunnels, one of which is dedicated to the study of wind effects on buildings and structures, such as bridges, tall buildings or other constructions. Recent studies included the tower of the City Hall of Brussels, the flow in the Boudewijn Stadium, a testing hall for Sabena. All these activities have been supported by a large number of national and European research projects, as well as by industrial contracts and projects.