Welcome to the Thermo-Fluids Lab at GW!
We are focused on solving complex flow problems while advancing the state of the art of experimental techniques. Our research philosophy is driven by three cross-cutting areas: to gain physical insights as well as validate numerical models; to develop non-intrusive laser and optical diagnostics that are multi-scale, multi-physics, and deployable in-situ; to design and instrument unique facilities.
We are active in three core areas: Wall-Bounded Turbulence, Multiphase Flows, and Fluid-Structure Interaction. Our applications range from industrial to environmental flows with a strong focus on naval applications and nuclear thermal-hydraulics and security.
The Thermo-Fluids Lab is located on the GW Foggy Bottom Campus in the heart of Washington DC. We have space in the Science and Engineering Hall (SEH) and Tompkins Hall. Additionally, we have a satellite lab on the GW Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, VA.
A-Lab: SEH 3300A– We have 1320 sq ft of shared space to develop laser and optical diagnostics and operate small facilities.
B-Lab: Tompkins B03 – This is where we do Big things. This lab is a 1540 sq ft high bay with 3 cranes, 300 kVA of electrical power, strong floor, and adjacent support rooms. It currently houses the Sloshing Tank, Index Match Loop, the new Free Surface Loop, and a four column hydraulic press.
The laboratory has a 30 gpm hydraulic pump with accumulators to operate hydraulic actuators. It also has two steam supplies and water treatment and purification systems. Additionally, the laboratory is equipped with adequate laser safety system to operate a broad range of lasers.
The TF Lab is equipped with a broad suite of laser systems, cameras, synchronization, and characterization hardware. The lab has several data acquisition systems, oscilloscopes, spectrometers, refractometer, etc …
We are striving to conduct multi-physics and multi-scale experiments. We have thus expanded into laser spectroscopic techniques. We are continuously pushing the limits of existing diagnostics and developing new concepts. Many of our tools are not commercially available which forces us to develop all aspects of instruments integration and data analysis. This enables us to have a deeper understanding of uncertainties associated with our measurements.
Pr. Philippe Bardet’s 21-member research team currently includes 1 Assistant Research Professor, 1 Research Scientist, 4 PhD Candidates/Students, 1 Engineer, 6 Graduate Research Assistants, and 5 Undergraduate Research Assistants, as well as 3 Visiting Students.
Our work has been reported in 37 peer-reviewed Journal Publications and 99 Conference Proceedings and Abstracts. We present our work every year at the Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics (DFD) and AIAA SciTech Forum as well as at the biennial International Symposium on Applications of Laser and Imaging Techniques to Fluid Mechanics (Lisbon Symposium), Symposium on Naval Hydrodynamics (SNH), and International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Reactor Thermal Hydraulics (NURETH).