Projects
Co-pyrolysis of N-containing spent biomass into activated carbon for electrochemical energy storage Hasselt University
The interaction between climate and the African great lakes: A study with a regional climate model. KU Leuven
In this PhD project, use will be made of the regional climate model CCLM, in which only very recently, the freshwater lake parameterisation scheme FLake has been implemented. The research will be build around three main axes: (i) improvement of the treatment of turbulent exchanges and lake dynamics in FLake, (ii) climate simulations –and evaluation– for Central and Eastern Africa using CCLM driven by Global Climate Model (GCM) output, and ...
Fundamental understandings and development of a novel plasma biofunctionalized 3D-printed/electrospun scaffold for synergetic vascularization and regeneration of spinal cord hemisection Ghent University
More than half a century has passed since the first attempts to repair the devastating spinal cord injuries (SCI). To date, no satisfying clinical outcome is achieved given the defect complexity hampering regeneration. Current tissue engineering strategies promoting nerve growth only show weak neurological recovery. This project launches therefore a novel combinatorial approach through the design of a scaffold synergistically targeting ...
Computational Modelling of Thermo-Elastohydrodynamic Lubricated Contacts Ghent University
CONTACTLUB will develop reliable, advanced and experimentally validated numerical models and techniques for Thermo-Elastohydrodynamic lubricated (TEHL) contacts, with a specific focus on (i) dynamic response of TEHL contacts in variable loads and speeds (oscillating movements, vibrations, ... ) and (ii) the influence of TEHL contact dynamics on the structural propagation of vibrations and sound in systems that comprises several mechanical ...
Diffusion- and mobility-controlled self-healing polymer networks with dynamic covalent bonding. Fundamental study of reversible thermosets from bulk to thin layers. Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Automated Magnetic Control Design for Optimal Power Exhaust in Divertor Tokamak Reactors KU Leuven
A key challenge to obtain a clean and sustainable power supply by controlled nuclear fusion is dealing with the high heat load that impinges on the plasma-facing components of tokamak fusion devices. In ITER (Latin for 'the way'), the plasma-facing components will consist of so-called 'monoblocks', which are tungsten (W) blocks mounted on a copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr) cooling tube with a copper (Cu) interlayer. However, it is expected ...
Catalytic biomass conversion KU Leuven
In our joint pursuit of facing current global warming and climate change challenges, development of sustainable chemistry and engineering using renewable energy and carbon sources is key. Besides utilization of plastic waste and CO2, chemical conversion of renewable biomass sources to provide chemicals and materials that can substitute, and ideally even outperform, our current fossil-based portfolio is one of the most important cornerstones ...
Numerical and Experimental Study of Various Innovative Jet Mixing Ventilation Concepts for Improved Ventilation Efficiency KU Leuven
Ventilation has an important impact on the quality of indoor environments, regarding e.g. the air quality or thermal comfort, but may contribute considerably to the energy use as well. In particular in airplane cabins, ventilation is indispensable due to the high occupant density within a confined air volume. Typically, the cabin main air distribution system supplies fresh (conditioned) ventilation air above the passenger zone (mixing ...
Innovative hybrid neutral models for the plasma edge modeling of nuclear fusion reactors KU Leuven
Plasma edge simulations are extensively used for the development of operational scenarios of existing and future magnetic confinement based fusion devices and the design of future reactors. One typically solves a set of Navier-Stokes like fluid equations for the plasma, whereas the neutral atoms and molecules are usually treated kinetically with a Monte Carlo simulation. An example of such a kinetic Monte Carlo code is the worldwide used ...