Welcome to the Computational Thermo-Fluid (CTF) Laboratory, led by Prof. Yue (Stanley) Ling, in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Carolina! Our research focuses on high-fidelity simulation and modeling of multiphase, multi-physics thermo-fluid processes. The CTF Lab’s current research interests include sprays and atomization, drop oscillation and breakup, drop interaction with aerodynamic surfaces, interfacial instability and flows with phase change, bubble dynamics in microgravity, electrohydrodynamics, and plasma-interface interactions. We develop advanced numerical methods to accurately resolve sharp liquid/gas and fluid/solid interfaces, implementing these in simulation frameworks to enable large-scale, high-fidelity simulations of these complex phenomena on top-tier high-performance computing systems, uncovering critical physics. The resulting insights enhance understanding, while simulation data drives machine-learning models for fast, accurate predictions. These advancements support engineering applications like fuel combustion, boiling heat transfer, UAV aerodynamics, water treatment, and environmental remediation.

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We have created an animated video to explain how our computational research contributes to understanding spray formation and helps engineers design better engines!