Investigation of interfacial thermo-fluid processes

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The rate at which heat transfers across fluid-solid interfaces is critically important to many engineering applications. Several new areas in engineering are emerging where better heat transfer rate is of utmost importance and crucial for their practical/commercial implementation. However, the efforts to advance their thermal performance are hampered by the lack of understanding of the fundamental thermofluid processes particularly in the interfacial regions. The objectives of the proposed research program are to investigate thermofluid processes in the interfacial/near-interfacial region and identify and understand the physical mechanisms that influence the heat transport process. In the proposed research program, the specific focus during the next grant period will be on the following three broadly interconnected key areas,1. Near-interfacial thermofluid processes at low Reynolds numbers2. Heat transfer process in nanofluids3. Heat transfer processes in phase-change materials during solid-liquid phase transition The outcomes of the above three projects have significant long-term impact from energy efficiency and sustainability perspectives. The results from this research program will lead to (i) the improved efficiency of conventional thermal energy systems resulting in lower fuel consumption, and (ii) improved design of solar thermal and thermal energy storage systems to make solar thermal a reliable and clean alternative to a fossil fuel-based thermal energy systems.