Laboratory for Turbulence Research in Aerodynamics and Flow Control (LTRAC)

This research program supports the design and optimization of novel technologies for the extraction of energy from fluid flows, with a focus on the exploitation of unsteady aerodynamic mechanisms such as flutter, vortex-induced vibration, and forced oscillation.  Example devices include oscillating cylinder arrays (sometimes called “bladeless turbines”), flexible vibrating panels, and flapping-wing turbines.  Physics-based principles to guide the design of energy-extracting prototypes are sought.

Previous mechanical design experience is a strong asset, as the student will be required to design and construct their own experimental apparatus.  Prior industry experience will be looked on favourably.  A strong understanding of undergraduate fluid mechanics is required. 

Experimental techniques to be employed include:

• direct multi-axis force measurements;
• optical flow measurement techniques such as particle-image velocimetry (PIV); and
• digital image correlation (DIC) to investigate fluid-structure interactions. 

Experiments will be carried out in the wind tunnel or water channel in the Laboratory for Turbulence Research in Aerodynamics and Flow Control (LTRAC) at the University of Calgary.

This is a thesis-based Master of Science. At the end of their degree, the successful MSc. student will be able to…

• describe the relationship between vortex evolution and aerodynamic force (both qualitatively and quantitatively);
• devise guiding design principles for aerodynamic devices based on an understanding of vortex dynamics and structural mechanics;
• design and construct instrumented electromechanical apparatuses for experimental purposes; and
• independently plan and execute experiments involving multiple concurrent measurement techniques.

in addition to completing the minimum degree requirements.

This position will be co-supervised by Dr. Eric Limacher (LTRAC) and Dr. Artem Korobenko (Computational Fluid and Structural Mechanics Laboratory). If you are interested in pursuing an MSc. degree in this area of study, please forward the following to Dr. Limacher at ejlimach@ucalgary.ca:

• curriculum vitae (CV);
• unofficial transcripts;
• English language test results (if applicable); and
• a one-page cover letter describing your previous experience and your specific interests in the described research area. 

Please submit the above documents prior to September 29, 2023 for full consideration.  Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview (online or in-person).  The start date is negotiable, but the target is January 2024.