The elusive upper bound of heat transfer in horizontal convection. The question as to whether lateral variation in global ocean buoyancy resulting from low solar radiation near the poles and higher temperatures in the tropical regions (known as horizontal convection) is a driver for global ocean currents is critical to our understanding of this complex and delicate system that maintains Earth's temperate climate. This question hinges on the relationship between heat transport and strength of buo ....The elusive upper bound of heat transfer in horizontal convection. The question as to whether lateral variation in global ocean buoyancy resulting from low solar radiation near the poles and higher temperatures in the tropical regions (known as horizontal convection) is a driver for global ocean currents is critical to our understanding of this complex and delicate system that maintains Earth's temperate climate. This question hinges on the relationship between heat transport and strength of buoyancy forcing towards global scales; this project proposes a landmark experimental effort supported by detailed simulations to probe the ultimate regime of heat transport in horizontal convection. The project is expected to inform the direction of future ocean and climate modelling efforts to the benefit of humanity.Read moreRead less
On the mechanism of boiling instability in microchannels. This project will enable designers to create highly efficient miniaturised devices based on the boiling of fluids such as water or organics. These devices include micro-power generation systems, coolers for computer chips and solar collectors, and micro-chemical process systems. Such devices provide environmental, safety and economic benefits.
Heat Transfer Characteristics of Biological Tissues with Nanoparticles. Heat transfer of laser-irradiated nanoparticles in biological tissues requires a basic knowledge of the unique strong resonance absorption properties and a fundamental understanding of the thermal and chemical conversions as a consequence of these heated nanoparticles. This project aims to investigate the extent of the non-equilibrium heating effects of heated nanoparticles on the destruction of biological tissues. Comprehen ....Heat Transfer Characteristics of Biological Tissues with Nanoparticles. Heat transfer of laser-irradiated nanoparticles in biological tissues requires a basic knowledge of the unique strong resonance absorption properties and a fundamental understanding of the thermal and chemical conversions as a consequence of these heated nanoparticles. This project aims to investigate the extent of the non-equilibrium heating effects of heated nanoparticles on the destruction of biological tissues. Comprehensive experimental studies and computational modelling to be performed are expected to significantly enhance the understanding of laser-induced heating phenomena of embedded nanoparticles in biological tissues and the prediction of the level of destruction that can be experienced by these heated nanoparticles.Read moreRead less
Conjugate natural convection boundary layers. Conjugate natural convection systems occur when a conducting vertical wall separates fluids at different temperatures (that is at a window separating the interior of a room from the outside or when a container of fluid is placed in a refrigerator). This project will provide accurate predictions of such flows together with scaling relations.
Transition of thermal boundary layers on heated flat and curved surfaces. This project aims to study the laminar to turbulent transition of the thermal boundary layer (TBL). The state of the TBL determines the heat transfer rate and energy efficiency of natural convection heat exchangers and heat dissipation systems. The intended outcome is to understand the TBL’s transitional behaviour and develop effective strategies for stimulating TBL transition to enhance heat transfer. This project will de ....Transition of thermal boundary layers on heated flat and curved surfaces. This project aims to study the laminar to turbulent transition of the thermal boundary layer (TBL). The state of the TBL determines the heat transfer rate and energy efficiency of natural convection heat exchangers and heat dissipation systems. The intended outcome is to understand the TBL’s transitional behaviour and develop effective strategies for stimulating TBL transition to enhance heat transfer. This project will develop a high-resolution, low-cost and easy-to-implement three-dimensional volumetric flow measurement technique based on stereoscopic shadowgraph and use it to study the TBL transition. This technique should provide a powerful tool for fluid mechanics and heat transfer research.Read moreRead less
Purging and destratifying of thermal and saline pools in Australia's inland rivers. The health of inland Australian rivers is significantly affected by saline intrusions into deep river pools. This study will provide tools which can be immediately used to predict required flow releases and understand river response to natural or managed flow release. This will improve the efficiency with which water resources can be used.
Derivation and calculation of onsager transport coefficients in mass transport and thermotransport. The transport of matter and heat within solids has a profound effect on the functional properties of engineering components. The current description of mass and heat transport has major failings which then lead to major failings for property predictions. This project will establish a new mathematical framework that will redress the problems.