The lecture is free to attend and open to all, but registration is required in advance
Abstract
Explore the science of fluid dynamics in the built and natural world
Ever prolonged a relaxing bath by mixing in additional hot water? Then congratulations on conducting an experiment in fundamental fluid dynamics. The mixing of the bath is affected by the interaction between the tepid and hot water – or buoyancy. Investigating buoyancy is vital for understanding how water behaves in many different “bathtubs”, for example estuaries, reservoirs and the oceans. In turn, mixing in the oceans governs evolution of warm and cold currents and the global circulation, and examining these phenomena helps us understand and predict changes in Earth’s climate.
But it is not only liquids whose behaviour is affected by buoyancy. The air we breathe – including the pollutants it carries – are subject to the same forces. Buildings, urban environments, valleys and even the technology for capturing concentrated solar thermal energy are all examples of “bathtubs” in the atmosphere.
Can fluid dynamics help improve the efficiencies of renewable energy generation and energy consumption in buildings? Can it tell us when to shut our windows to keep out urban pollution, or when we should be more concerned about indoor air quality? And how might our oceans continue to absorb heat and carbon dioxide in a warming climate?
Fundamental fluids research underpins scientific contributions to solving these global challenges and practical problems. In his inaugural lecture, Graham Hughes, Professor of Environmental Fluid Mechanics will explore his own contribution to a global research effort doing just this, with applications to our oceans, renewable energy technology and the design of our future cities.
Biography
Graham’s research interests in buoyancy-driven flows have developed in schools of engineering, applied mathematics and earth sciences. He obtained BE and ME degrees at the University of Auckland and a PhD degree at the University of Cambridge. Following postdocs in the UK and Australia, and a number of years at The Australian National University, he joined the Fluid Mechanics Section in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London in 2016. He is also the current Director of Education in the Energy Futures Lab at Imperial.
Year of Engineering
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