The Computational Fluids laboratory at the University of Michigan is involved in the computation, analysis, and modeling of turbulent flows. The overall vision of the laboratory is to transform the role of simulations in the design and optimization of future Navy platforms, and enable the discovery of the fundamental science central to their multi-physics, turbulent flows. Traditionally, high-fidelity simulation methods like direct numerical and large-eddy simulation have been restricted to fairly simple geometries and flow physics. We are developing numerical methods, turbulence models and simulation tools that are flexible enough to handle multi-physics flows in engineering geometries without compromising the accuracy needed to simulate turbulence. Most of our simulations use unstructured grids on massively parallel computing platforms. We develop our own simulation codes – MPCUGLES being our flagship software. Group members perform hands-on work on developing state-of-the-art algorithms, which they implement into parallel simulation codes and use to perform simulations on some of the largest parallel computers in the country. The simulation results are then examined to elaborate on the underlying flow physics. The MPCUGLES software has the accuracy to perform benchmark calculations of fundamental flows, as well as the flexibility to simulate flow in highly complicated engineering geometries. We conduct research into a variety of applications including: marine propulsors, cavitation, hydroacoustics, flow over rough surfaces, laminar-turbulent transition, turbulent mixing, fluid/structure interaction, flow control, and moving-body flows. We are always interested in hiring strong new members to our group. Please contact Professor Mahesh if you are interested.

The laboratory recently led a multi-university project on turbulent cavitating flows. Please click here for more information.