All aspects of fundamental fluid dynamics research applied to aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, turbulence and areas relevant to process engineering.
This area encompasses all aspects of fundamental fluid dynamics research applied to aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, turbulence and areas relevant to process engineering (for example, multiphase flows).
Research in fluid dynamics and aerodynamics underpins a number of areas (for example, microfluidics, complex fluids) and is of significant importance to aerospace, process industries and emerging technologies such as wind power.
Fluid dynamics and aerodynamics continues to be an important research area in delivering sustainable aviation and transport. It also has potential to enable wider impact by working across disciplines, for example the Infrastructure and Urban Systems and Materials Engineering research areas, to accelerate translation of fundamental knowledge into solutions.
We will work with the community and with innovation partners to enhance focus on the major challenges for future developments.
Specifically, we will:
- work with the community to enable greater collaboration and to maximise impact arising from both applied and fundamental areas of research
- deliver a portfolio that integrates with mathematical sciences to maximise the short and long term challenges that underpin delivery against EPSRC’s priority ambitions
- strengthen the vital link between experimental and theoretical aspects of the field, particularly at the interface with applied mathematics, where enhanced collaboration with experimentalists is required
- continue to work with innovation partners, such as the Aerospace Technology Institute, to maximise collaborations between fundamental researchers and industry
- signpost key academic challenges in this area
- work with the community to understand specific needs and requirements with respect to research infrastructure – specifically facilities
- work with the community to optimise access to existing facilities, such as the National Wind Tunnel Facility.
UK research in this area is world leading and the EPSRC portfolio is characterised by a number of large investments, such as programme grants and the National Wind Tunnel Facility.
There are a significant number of students trained through our three doctoral training routes, with four centres for doctoral training (CDTs) directly aligned to the area and a large number of Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) students. Training remains strong and is aligned with both academic and industrial needs.
The current fluid dynamics and aerodynamics portfolio is characterised by multiple smaller groups conducting research, that may not be cooperating fully in terms of tackling the larger fundamental problems of the area. There needs to be consideration of the wider research landscape, external to EPSRC.