Hypersonic Fluid-Structural Interaction

This research aims to fill a significant gap in the current modelling of critical fluid-structural interactions in high-speed flows by performing novel experiments to generate data that does not currently exist. This data is being used to assess and improve advanced numerical simulation tools. The effective development of high-speed vehicles and turbomachinery requires the accurate prediction of the behaviour and lifetime of structural components subject to these fluid-structural interactions in which the deformation of the structure, induced by the local flow field, can in turn influence this flow field. This coupling can result in damage or even catastrophic structural failure and thus robust design tools must be developed to avoid this. We are investigating both fluid-structural and fluid-thermal-structural interactions using a unique combination of novel experimental design, experimental facilities, diagnostics and simulations.