Multiphase Interactions
![Photo collage of examples of multiphase flows](/sites/cse.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_full/public/Mulitphase%20Flows.png.webp?itok=EX8igvj9)
Multiphase flows are made up of a combination of the different states of matter, e.g. solids in liquids, liquids & gases, solids in gases, plasmas & gases, and so forth. These flows are all around us - wind driving the formation of ocean waves, debris flows and landslides occurring after a saturating rain, the bubbly flows associated with boat propellors,, sediment transport in streams and rivers - and the inherent complexity of these natural and engineered examples mean these flows are still very active topics of study. SAFL researchers use experimental facilities like CloudIA, the wind tunnel, and our assorted flumes and channels to help quantify the nature and behavior of different multiphase flows, while also using numerical techniques and simulations to better visualize these interactions and predict their behavior.
SAFL Affiliated Faculty
Roger Arndt
John Gulliver
Kimberly Hill
Jiarong Hong
Lian Shen
SAFL Researchers
Jeffrey Marr
Read more about SAFL multiphase related projects/research:
(filter "multiphase interactions" if needed)
![Image of the wind turbulence over breaking waves simulation](/sites/cse.umn.edu/files/styles/medium/public/wind%20turbulence%20over%20breaking%20waves.png.webp?itok=_h8StYXI)
A numerical simulation of wind turbulence over breaking waves
Posted
Researchers studied the effect of waves breaking on the airflow above the waves. Research like this regarding wind and wave interactions can be used to improve ocean-atmosphere interaction models.
![Photo of the experiment in the SAFL delta basins, showing a model delta with barrier islands forming along the delta coast](/sites/cse.umn.edu/files/styles/medium/public/DSC_1790.jpg.webp?itok=-XTKS9j_)
Mapping the evolution of barrier islands: Nature’s original coastline defense
Posted
Barrier islands act as natural barriers between the ocean and the mainland by blocking waves and resisting storm winds, giving protection to inland areas which are ecologically rich as well as economic hubs. As sea levels continue to rise with climate change, there is much concern about how rising seas will impact the ongoing evolution of barrier islands and the level of protection they afford inland coastlines.