DrAndrea Giusti
Associate Professor in Thermofluids
Department of Mechanical Engineering - Faculty of Engineering
Orcid identifier0000-0001-5406-4569 (opens in a new tab)
- Associate Professor in ThermofluidsDepartment of Mechanical Engineering - Faculty of Engineering
- 020 7594 7054 (Work)
- 622, City and Guilds Building, South Kensington Campus, United Kingdom
RESEARCH
Overview
My research activity focuses on the development of theoretical and numerical models for multi-phase non-reacting and reacting flows. The long-term aim is to combine research at sub-atomic and molecular scales with the macro scale continuum approach to develop new classes of fluids with application in the energy and propulsion sectors, as well as bio-engineering and healthcare. Research interests also include the modelling of extreme events in aero-engines, nanofuels and nanofluids, particle-laden flows in microchannels, multi-phase flows and bubbles. The study of innovative technologies for hybrid hydrogen-electrical propulsion is also part of my current research.
Multi-physics fluid mechanics
A new paradigm for the development of radically new technologies based on the electromagnetic control of engineered fluids is developed. Possible applications include the development of novel hybrid thermal-electrical propulsion systems and smart carriers. The main objective is to explore the use of nanotechnologies and distant interactions to control fluid (fuel) placement and reacting characteristics. Biomimetics is also explored to further innovate the energy, transportation and aerospace sectors and at the same time develop solutions for bioengineering problems.
Projects
ICHAruS (2023-2027)
Website: Summary: ICHAruS is a MCSA Doctoral Network aimed to train early-stage researchers, able to face current and future challenges in the field of innovative, cutting-edge technologies based on electromagnetic-assisted combustion to achieve full control of hydrogen flames. The aim of this project is thus to understand the physical processes that govern the interaction between hydrogen combustion and electromagnetic fields at all flow scales, to achieve control of the flame and identify the key parameters that would allow for the design of an innovative, ultra-low NOx and flashback-proof combustion device. The control of hydrogen flames through plasma discharge and electromagnetic conditioning offers the opportunity to strongly accelerate the path towards zero-carbon energy and transport sectors.
FFLECS (2023-2026)
Website: Summary: Improving local air quality in airports while at the same time decarbonising aviation can be achieved by switching to sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and hydrogen (H2), as confirmed by recent engine development programs. Both these fuels require significant developments in the gas-turbine combustor because present technologies cannot meet long-term objectives of reduction of NOx and PM emissions and are not normally suitable for 100% direct combustion of hydrogen. In this project, novel combustor architectures will be studied, extending the preliminary results of previous Clean Sky 2 "Innovative NOx Reduction Technologies" projects in terms of scientific scope and TRL. In particular, this project will advance (i) the Lean Azimuthal Flame (LEAFinnox), a novel combustion system based on Flameless Oxidation, (ii) the Compact Helically Arranged combustoR (CHAIRlift), a new system which uses interacting lean lifted flames, and (iii) plasma and electric manipulation of the spray and the flame stabilisation mechanism. The fuel flexibility offered by these novel concepts is key to allow for SAF and H2 operations. This unique feature will be exploited to give novel dual-fuel LTO cycle strategies and ultra-low NOx, ultra-low soot single or dual-fuel use. Experiments on available dedicated rigs and numerical work will be performed to provide knowledge at the fundamental and practical level that will allow TRL3 and higher developments at the end of the project. The project will include new CFD, low-order and AI models, and novel stabilisation techniques.
LEAFINNOX (2019-2022)
Website: EU Cordis pageSummary and main outcomes. Development of innovative technologies for NOx reduction. Funded by EU, under the H2020 Clean Sky 2 framework. Project partners: University of Cambridge, ETH Zurich, University of Naples, Imperial College London. An innovative combustor concept for aviation based on lean-azimuthal flames has been investigated using high-fidelity simulations and experiments at atmospheric and high pressure. Imperial College London was responsible of high-fidelity simulations and fundamental research on single droplet evaporation and combustion. Results led to a number of publications that demonstrate the fundamentals of the new technology for ultra-low emission spray combustion. The project also allowed to develop further understanding of NOx formation in single droplet combustion with multi-component fuel and led to innovative solutions to enhance spray-in-cross flow evaporation and mixing.
Collaborations
Universities
Prof. A.C.T. van Duin, Penn State University, United States. We develop molecular dynamics force fields for the prediction of electromagnetic effects on chemical kinetics. The collaboration has already led to a number of publications with novel insight into the effect of electrostatic fields on hydrocarbon oxidation.
Prof. A. Masri, University of Sydney, Australia. Our collaboration focuses on the use of electrospray to develop new sustainable technologies for propulsion and power generation. Numerical investigations done at Imperial College are supported by experiments done at University of Sydney.
Prof. E. Mastorakos, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom. Modelling of wildfire propagation, estimation of fire risks and optimization of fire-extinguishing actions using a model based on a hybrid cellular automata-Lagrangian fire particles approach coupled with game theory.
Prof. A. Ferrari, Cambridge Graphene Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom. The use of graphene to build smart interface for the control of fluid evaporation is investigated. The group of Prof. Ferrari provides fundamental knowledge on graphene properties and production.
Prof. H. Olguin, Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria, Valparaiso, Chile. Theoretical and numerical investigation of local evaporation effects and multi-component fuels in reduced and conditional space framework. Prof. Olguin is supported by the project "Towards a multi-regime flamelet model for turbulent spray flames" FONDECYT N 11171020. For more information, visit Prof. Olguin's personal webpage.
Dr L. Magri, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom. Theoretical and numerical investigation of dispersion and diffusion of combustion inhomogeneities; indirect noise in realistic aero-engine combustors; development of LES closures using data-assimilation techniques. For more information about Dr Magri's research, visit the personal webpage.
Dr A. Boies, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom. The use of carbon nanotubes and ferromaterials for the local control of flow properties and interfaces is studied. Dr Boies provides knowledge on the synthesis of carbon nanotubes with additives.
Prof. A. Andreini, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. Numerical investigation of electromagnetic interactions in turbulent flames. The collaboration is developed through exchange of students and participation in EU-funded projects.
Companies
Versarien plc.: the collaboration started in 2019, and it is focused on the development of new understanding on hydrodynamic exfoliation of graphite flakes to produce high-quality graphene. We also collaborate on the development of tailored (functionalized) graphene-based solution for engineered fluids.
My research activity focuses on the development of theoretical and numerical models for multi-phase non-reacting and reacting flows. The long-term aim is to combine research at sub-atomic and molecular scales with the macro scale continuum approach to develop new classes of fluids with application in the energy and propulsion sectors, as well as bio-engineering and healthcare. Research interests also include the modelling of extreme events in aero-engines, nanofuels and nanofluids, particle-laden flows in microchannels, multi-phase flows and bubbles. The study of innovative technologies for hybrid hydrogen-electrical propulsion is also part of my current research.
Multi-physics fluid mechanics
A new paradigm for the development of radically new technologies based on the electromagnetic control of engineered fluids is developed. Possible applications include the development of novel hybrid thermal-electrical propulsion systems and smart carriers. The main objective is to explore the use of nanotechnologies and distant interactions to control fluid (fuel) placement and reacting characteristics. Biomimetics is also explored to further innovate the energy, transportation and aerospace sectors and at the same time develop solutions for bioengineering problems.
Projects
ICHAruS (2023-2027)
Website: Summary: ICHAruS is a MCSA Doctoral Network aimed to train early-stage researchers, able to face current and future challenges in the field of innovative, cutting-edge technologies based on electromagnetic-assisted combustion to achieve full control of hydrogen flames. The aim of this project is thus to understand the physical processes that govern the interaction between hydrogen combustion and electromagnetic fields at all flow scales, to achieve control of the flame and identify the key parameters that would allow for the design of an innovative, ultra-low NOx and flashback-proof combustion device. The control of hydrogen flames through plasma discharge and electromagnetic conditioning offers the opportunity to strongly accelerate the path towards zero-carbon energy and transport sectors.
FFLECS (2023-2026)
Website: Summary: Improving local air quality in airports while at the same time decarbonising aviation can be achieved by switching to sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and hydrogen (H2), as confirmed by recent engine development programs. Both these fuels require significant developments in the gas-turbine combustor because present technologies cannot meet long-term objectives of reduction of NOx and PM emissions and are not normally suitable for 100% direct combustion of hydrogen. In this project, novel combustor architectures will be studied, extending the preliminary results of previous Clean Sky 2 "Innovative NOx Reduction Technologies" projects in terms of scientific scope and TRL. In particular, this project will advance (i) the Lean Azimuthal Flame (LEAFinnox), a novel combustion system based on Flameless Oxidation, (ii) the Compact Helically Arranged combustoR (CHAIRlift), a new system which uses interacting lean lifted flames, and (iii) plasma and electric manipulation of the spray and the flame stabilisation mechanism. The fuel flexibility offered by these novel concepts is key to allow for SAF and H2 operations. This unique feature will be exploited to give novel dual-fuel LTO cycle strategies and ultra-low NOx, ultra-low soot single or dual-fuel use. Experiments on available dedicated rigs and numerical work will be performed to provide knowledge at the fundamental and practical level that will allow TRL3 and higher developments at the end of the project. The project will include new CFD, low-order and AI models, and novel stabilisation techniques.
LEAFINNOX (2019-2022)
Website: EU Cordis pageSummary and main outcomes. Development of innovative technologies for NOx reduction. Funded by EU, under the H2020 Clean Sky 2 framework. Project partners: University of Cambridge, ETH Zurich, University of Naples, Imperial College London. An innovative combustor concept for aviation based on lean-azimuthal flames has been investigated using high-fidelity simulations and experiments at atmospheric and high pressure. Imperial College London was responsible of high-fidelity simulations and fundamental research on single droplet evaporation and combustion. Results led to a number of publications that demonstrate the fundamentals of the new technology for ultra-low emission spray combustion. The project also allowed to develop further understanding of NOx formation in single droplet combustion with multi-component fuel and led to innovative solutions to enhance spray-in-cross flow evaporation and mixing.
Collaborations
Universities
Prof. A.C.T. van Duin, Penn State University, United States. We develop molecular dynamics force fields for the prediction of electromagnetic effects on chemical kinetics. The collaboration has already led to a number of publications with novel insight into the effect of electrostatic fields on hydrocarbon oxidation.
Prof. A. Masri, University of Sydney, Australia. Our collaboration focuses on the use of electrospray to develop new sustainable technologies for propulsion and power generation. Numerical investigations done at Imperial College are supported by experiments done at University of Sydney.
Prof. E. Mastorakos, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom. Modelling of wildfire propagation, estimation of fire risks and optimization of fire-extinguishing actions using a model based on a hybrid cellular automata-Lagrangian fire particles approach coupled with game theory.
Prof. A. Ferrari, Cambridge Graphene Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom. The use of graphene to build smart interface for the control of fluid evaporation is investigated. The group of Prof. Ferrari provides fundamental knowledge on graphene properties and production.
Prof. H. Olguin, Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria, Valparaiso, Chile. Theoretical and numerical investigation of local evaporation effects and multi-component fuels in reduced and conditional space framework. Prof. Olguin is supported by the project "Towards a multi-regime flamelet model for turbulent spray flames" FONDECYT N 11171020. For more information, visit Prof. Olguin's personal webpage.
Dr L. Magri, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom. Theoretical and numerical investigation of dispersion and diffusion of combustion inhomogeneities; indirect noise in realistic aero-engine combustors; development of LES closures using data-assimilation techniques. For more information about Dr Magri's research, visit the personal webpage.
Dr A. Boies, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom. The use of carbon nanotubes and ferromaterials for the local control of flow properties and interfaces is studied. Dr Boies provides knowledge on the synthesis of carbon nanotubes with additives.
Prof. A. Andreini, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. Numerical investigation of electromagnetic interactions in turbulent flames. The collaboration is developed through exchange of students and participation in EU-funded projects.
Companies
Versarien plc.: the collaboration started in 2019, and it is focused on the development of new understanding on hydrodynamic exfoliation of graphite flakes to produce high-quality graphene. We also collaborate on the development of tailored (functionalized) graphene-based solution for engineered fluids.