Multiphase flows are flows in which more than one material moves. Applications include sedimentation, boiling filtration and separation.

Multiphase Flow Research at Rensselaer

Multiphase flows are exciting because of the complexity that can occur, and also because the simplest set of equations you can write are flawed in a very fundamental way. Even though the simplest equations are incorrect in this way, many predictions obtained from them appear believable. Researchers ask, “Should the right equations be very different from the wrong ones?”

Rensselaer also houses the Center for Multiphase Research, the premier group in the country for performing multiphase research.

Research in the center includes any process or system involving more than one phase from solid to liquid to vapor. Researchers strive to model, predict and optimize product design that controls efficiency, reliability, safety and product life. Results cost-effectively create the most competitive products on the market.

Current Projects

Research in the mathematical sciences department includes:

• Modeling and analysis of fluid flows driven by substantial energy inputs, chemical or otherwise.
• Examination of the equations that represent special physical phenomena in the flows.
• Examination of how sensitive the predictions are to the equations.

Faculty Researchers

Donald Drew
Ashwani Kapila
Peter Kramer