Coupled Problems for Decarbonization in Industry and Power Generation

To optimize their products, engineers use computational design tools. If fluid flow is part of the problem, then Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) comes into play. However, real-world fluid dynamics are complex, and computational models may not capture every nuance. CFD nowadays has a problem of scale that clashes with limited computational resources. This is even more critical when the fluid is composed of immiscible phases (e.g. bubbles, drops or particles), or when the fluid mechanically interacts with structures, e.g. inducing vibrations, erosion and other unwanted effects such as cavitation. The latter is known as Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) which, in scientific terms, brings together the fields of structural and fluid mechanics. FSI is a prominent example of a coupled physics problem. It is inseparably connected with other disciplines such as thermodynamics, materials science, chemical engineering, metallurgy, and more. For scientific and technical progress, new methods and knowledge are needed to understand, predict and control the interactions of fluid flow in technical domains. Therefore, COMBINE will create a new research and training agenda to address the following challenges.
Challenge 1 is to bridge the gaps between scientific disciplines to solve complex multi-physics problems through shared methods and techniques. Challenge 2 is to develop novel, fast, and robust measurement techniques to improve lab-scale analysis and realworld monitoring of FSI related problems. Challenge 3 is to improve the accuracy of FSI simulations and demands a multi-faceted approach using rigorous physics modeling, high-performance computing, and AI-driven data analysis. Challenge 4 is to develop novel materials and characterize their functionality early.
COMBINE unites a shared vision to significantly advance research and training to form a critical mass of students that can deliver tomorrows innovations and thrive in a highly competitive world.