Ahead of the Advances in Heat Transfer Modelling seminar in September, we spoke with speaker Jun Xia from Brunel University to better understand the key topics for those involved in this specific area of engineering and the advantages to joining
Q: Could you briefly explain your role, involvement and experience with regards to this conference?
Jun Xia (JX): I am a computer mechanical engineer, aiming to better understand flow physics and develop subgrid thermofluid flow models using high-fidelity numerical techniques. I have been keeping my focus on multiphase (gas-solid; gas-liquid) thermofluid flows which dominate the performance of a multitude of engineering applications. Past and ongoing research topics include fuel droplet and spray dynamics and combustion, microexplosion dynamics and its impact on liquid-fuel-vapour/air mixing and combustion, solid fuel combustion and alkali metal minor-species emission predictions, hybrid high-performance computing techniques on heterogeneous computer hardware infrastructures, and others.
Q: What are the main challenges facing the industry at the moment and what are the most common issues you hear from colleagues?
JX: One major challenge facing the industry is the uncertainty at this special time when the UK is leaving the EU. The automotive industry, to which I pay most attention, is also facing the biggest scale transformation under the way towards electrification. On the other hand, grand challenges always come together with great opportunities, for both industry and academia. For instance, a few companies have done fairly well in leading the development of hybrid petrol-electric cars and showing a convincing case to the worldwide automotive industry a medium-term solution to road transport electrification.
From the technical point of view, my own perspective, which is also shared by many other colleagues, is that industry usually require a quick turnaround for a solution to a technical issue. This makes phenomenological models popular, which in many cases do not strictly derive from physics but from observation and mathematical tools.<
Although models of this kind have largely promoted the development of flow engineering applications, PREDICTIVE modelling tools for complex engineering flow usually are scarce, especially when science and technology have proceeded to a stage when further development of the science demands genuine interdisciplinary knowledge and is therefore challenging.
Physics-based modelling is therefore important. Computer simulation at scales resolving dominating physical phenomena is a powerful tool to enlighten flow physics. It should be noted that high-fidelity simulation is now supported by readily available high-performance computing techniques, meaning a quick turnaround is now fully possible.<
Q: What key topics are you excited to speak about?
JX: With rapid growth of computing capacity, we can now explore many flow and transport phenomena which would not be possible to be investigated before numerically and experimentally. The conventional direct simulation resolves the Kolmogorov scale of turbulence. While for more complicated thermofluid flow, especially when multiple phases coexist, smaller scales still need modelling, therefore uncertainty remaining. Multiscale simulation techniques are now under active development and can now play a pivotal role in bridging the gap. Examples will be given on why a multiscale framework is needed and my recent effort in this direction.
Q: Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme, and why?
JX: The IMechE provide many excellent exchanging platforms to facilitate networking and knowledge share and co-development. This is an excellent opportunity for academia/industry communication in the thermofluid area. I am interested in hearing industrial perspectives on their expertise, capabilities, the challenges they are facing and the technical issues remaining to be solved.
Q: What is your top tip for engineers working in similar roles to your own?
JX: Collaboration. To keep communication with colleagues with different backgrounds should be a top priority. I have been particularly enjoying communication with experimental colleagues. It will not be long before any early-career computer engineer realises that talking to experimentalists is crucial for genuine collaborative work which could impact industry and society.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join this seminar?
JX: I believe it would be an excellent opportunity for industrial colleagues to understand what academics can currently achieve and for academics to better understand the industrial needs.
Advances in Heat Transfer Modelling and Design Optimisation takes place in Birmingham on 18 September. The seminar will provide a key forum to share and discuss the latest techniques and technologies available for this specialist engineering discipline. Attendees will benefit from case studies insights from those in industry, research and academia, with presentations from HORIBA MIRA, Schaeffler Technologies, Shell, Rolls-Royce, University of Nottingham, Hexcell Ltd and more.
For further information and to book your place please visit the event website: www.imeche.org/heattransfermodelling.