Our research in this area explores droplet and other liquid-solid impacts using theoretical and numerical modelling. We investigate a variety of practical applications across a wide range of length scales, from small droplet impacts to much larger impacts associated with ship slamming and liquid sloshing. Key features of our research include determining the pressures and loads experienced by the solid body during impact, with a particular focus on the role air plays in impact cushioning. Our research has determined the volume of air entrained in violent liquid-solid impacts, as well as assessing the role air plays in splashing. A current focus of our research is on textured hydrophobic surfaces, where we are interested in the mechanical properties necessary to ensures surface durability in high-speed droplet impact regimes associated with inflight aircraft icing and large wind turbine blades. Our work involves extensive use of asymptotic methods, as well as the numerical solution of simplified models, to illuminate the key features of fluid flows in violent impacts.
Recent PhD Projects:
2019
Snizhana Ross
Pre- and post-impact gas cushioning in liquid-solid impacts
