Research project title
Event-Based Imaging of Multiscale Turbulence and Combustion Dynamics
Education level
Doctorate
Director/co-director
Director: Bianca Viggiano
Co-director(s): Bruno Savard, Patrizio Vena (NRC)
End of display
May 31, 2026
Areas of expertise
Primary sphere of excellence in research
Energy, Water and, Resources
Secondary sphere(s) of excellence in research
Sustainable Transport and Infrastructures
Unit(s) and department(s)
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Conditions
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, physics engineering or related field;
- Experience in experimental methods (preferably PIV/PTV);
- Experience in data analysis (Python or Matlab);
- Good writen and verbal communication skills
Detailed description
This project involves the study inhomogeneous turbulence using novel laser-based flow visualization technologies. The project will begin with canonical turbulent jets and progressively extend to more complex flows such as rough-wall turbulence and turbulent combustion due to the critical role turbulence plays in mixing efficiency, flame stability, and pollutant formation. We look to advance our ability to capture many of the key mechanisms, such as intermittent mixing events, small-scale vortical structures, and local turbulent bursts of momentum, which occur at very short time scales through the employment of event-based cameras. Their ability to detect asynchronous changes in light intensity at individual pixels, rather than recording full frames offer a new opportunity to capture intermittent dynamics.
In this project, the event-based sensors will be used to employ 3D particle tracking velocimetry to capture tracer and inertial particle dynamics in inhomogeneous turbulence. The approach will allow us to investigate fundamental turbulence, validating the abilities of the sensors, while also opening new possibilities for studying complex flows relevant to energy and environmental applications, such as turbulent combustion of renewable fuels.
Financing possibility
Financial assistance available
