星空传媒

Enhancing modelling and simulation tools using uncertainty quantification and machine learning for multi-physics problems.

Nuclear and hydro power generation techniques have an important role to play in UAE’s 2030 energy vision of low carbon sources to meet future energy demand. UAE is currently investing in installation of a number of conventional hydro power plants and its first nuclear power plant, Barakah. For these plants to operate at high efficiencies and to satisfy stringent safety requirements a step-change is consequently needed in modelling and simulation capabilities; to accurately describe the multi-physics (coupled thermal hydraulics and solid mechanics) processes. This research not only targets the wider thermal-hydraulics modelling/design planned activities of UAE’s 2030 energy vision but also directly supports the “UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI)” which emphasis strongly on the automation of renewable energy and space sectors. The main objectives of this research are to 1) enhance the modelling and simulation tools for Fluid Structure Interactions (FSI) and Conjugate-Heat-Transfer (CHT), which govern plant steady and transient operations. 2) develop reliable and versatile physical models for modelling and simulation algorithms.

Thermal analysis of baffle jetting in fuel rod assembly

For nuclear power plants, flow-induced vibrations may occur within the reactor core, heat exchangers, and steam generators. For pressurized-water nuclear reactors (PWR), cold water flows within the reactor core to extract heat generated by the fuel rods. The flow is mainly upward axial and parallel to the fuel rods and may cause rod vibrations. However, a part of the flow passes horizontally through the gaps between the baffle plates surrounding the core, this leads to a transverse turbulent jet impinging the rods. This particular non-uniform cross-flow, known as baffle jetting, induces rod vibrations and is the cause of many grid-to-rod fretting problems.

Engineering Sustainable Solar Energy and Thermocline Alternatives 

Parabolic trough CSP works on the principle of harnessing solar thermal energy which is used to heat up a working fluid thereby generating electricity via steam; excess heat can also be stored in thermal storage tanks, thus leading to an uninterrupted power in contrast to other RE resources. The two main goals of this research are: 1) Enhancement of energy production from CSP via use of Nano-Particles (nanoparticles) and induced swirl using experiments and simulations. 2) Improvement of efficiency and design of thermocline energy storage systems.

Predictive modelling of a turbulent airwake behind a ship’s superstructure using Machine Learning

One of the major factors contributing to the complexity of helicopter seaborne operations are the unsteady aerodynamic phenomena, arising from the airflow separation from the bluff rear of the ship (hangar deck). These phenomena are responsible for intense turbulent fluctuations and intermittent changes in wind direction near the helipad, leading to an immense increase of the pilot workload at the most crucial moments of the landing procedure or even a complete shutdown of flight deck operations. The aim of the current proposal is to develop predictive models for the turbulent wake of the ship’s superstructure using experimental measurements and high-fidelity numerical modelling. Data driven Machine Learning (ML) techniques will be employed to create a model which can (in practical conditions) be used to derive the full airwake information from a limited set of sensors, typically used on real ships.

Biomimetic-joint-thrust system for underwater propulsion 

Jet propulsion is an energy-efficient mechanism employed in traditional aerospace and marine engines, consisting of a fast-moving jet of fluid to generate a propulsive thrust. This mechanism is also at the base of the swimming strategies of several marine species. By pointing the jet outlet indifferent directions and by changing the amount of water drawn, cephalopods (squid or octopi) can modify the direction and speed of their jet propulsion. Inspired by this, we present a soft jet propulsor that can control the outlet position and orientation. The design combines the actuation required for the volume squeezing at the base of the jet propulsion mechanism, with a second actuator to define the orientation of the propulsor. This thruster has the potential to unveil an effective solution for a broad range of tasks currently unsolved, combining the high-speed manoeuvrability of traditional rigid jet propellers with the main advantages of soft robotics.

Coupling Material Science with Fluid Dynamics: High Fidelity Experiments and Digital Twin for Flow Accelerated Corrosion

Assessment of plant safe operational lifespan through prediction of damage to its critical thermal hydraulic components is a very important issue for petroleum, chemical, and other energy sectors. This becomes even more so important in nuclear power plants where safety is of paramount importance. Damage to these thermal hydraulic components over time is mainly due to corrosion. Current corrosion measurement techniques typically rely on steady or mean measurements, which overlook the transient corrosion damage rates and fail to differentiate between fluid-induced and chemical reaction-induced damage. Existing techniques lack the capability to accurately predict the rate of corrosion damage. The proposed research is innovative as it focuses on three key aspects of corrosion damage: flow-accelerated corrosion through simulations and experiments, chemical reaction modelling, and real-time electrochemical measurements, all in a transient manner. This holistic approach of integrating fluid-material interactions is vital for industry and has not been previously explored or implemented.