Nonclassical gasdynamics: theory and experiments on nonlinear wave propagation in BZT fluids

The study of compressible fluid dynamics has traditionally focused on flows of gases whose thermodynamic properties are related according to the ideal-gas law. In this context, for a long time, it has been demonstrated that shock waves in gases are exclusively of the compressive type, characterized by a discontinuity across which the fluid...

Modeling and characterization of non-ideal compressible flows in unconventional turbines

The vast majority of energy conversion systems currently makes use of fossil fuels, whose combustion generates harmful greenhouse gases. Transitioning to renewable energy sources is thus paramount to limiting the environmental impact of human activities on the climate. In this regard, the harvesting of wasted thermal energy constitutes a...

Ultrabroadband coherent Raman spectroscopy for reacting flows

The present dissertation covers the development of ultrabroadband femtosecond/picosecond coherent Raman spectroscopy (CRS) to measure temperature and species concentrations in gas-phase chemically reacting flows.<br/>Since its first demonstration in 1965, CRS has been vastly employed as a non-linear optical spectroscopic technique to quantify...

Novel Experiments for the Investigation of Non-Ideal Compressible Fluid Dynamics: The ORCHID and First Results of Optical Measurements

The vast number of pioneering theoretical developments inthe area of non-classical gas dynamics together with the rising number ofapplications of organic Rankine cycle (ORC) technology have shaped a new branchof fluid mechanics called non-ideal compressible fluid dynamics (NICFD). Thisfield of fluid mechanics is concerned...

Progress in CFD-based automated design with application to unconventional turbomachines

The urgent need to transition to a climate-neutral society requires rapid development and adoption of renewable technologies. Key enablers of conventional and future renewable energy conversion technologies are turbomachines. However, the specific requirements of these turbines and compressors, e.g. operation under highly non-uniform flow or...

Emission Modelling from a Multi-Fuel Dual Combustor Gas Turbine

Future transport and energy systems will still rely on gas turbines for energy conversion. The contribution of aviation to the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutant species is predicted to increase in the near future, both in absolute quantities as well as relative to other sources. Despite historically being one of the greatest...

Reduced Order Models For Unsteady Fluid Dynamic Optimization of Turbomachinery

The need to meet the increasingly demanding sustainability goals entails remarkable new challenges for technical innovation. Due to the crucial role of turbomachinery in present and future energy scenarios, advancements in turbomachinery performance by means of design methods represent a fundamental step towards global sustainable development....

Numerical investigation of dense condensing flows for next-generation power units

Metastable condensation is the phase transition from vapor to liquid that occurs in a fluid subjected to rapid temperature variations. Under these conditions, the nucleation process is triggered when the fluid is in a supersaturated thermodynamic state. The dispersed phase forming during the process of condensation is not in stable thermodynamic...

Advancements in automated design methods for NICFD turbomachinery

The transition towards a more affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy provision paradigm is one of the main 21st century challenges that humanity must overcome to protect the planet from the harmful effect caused by climate change. The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has been dramatically increasing since the pre-industrial era. If...

Integrated Design Methods for Mini Organic Rankine Cycle Power Systems

The constant progress of humanity is inherently linked to an ever-increasing demand for energy. Coping with this demand by means of fossil-fuel power plants has lead to extensive environmental damage like global warming, destruction of natural habitats, and air pollution. In order to ensure the well-being of future generations, civilization must...

Experimental Observation of Non-Ideal Compressible Fluid Dynamics: with Application in Organic Rankine Cycle Power Systems