The Computational MultiPhysics (CoMPhys) research group is a multidisciplinary collaborative team of researchers focused on tackling some of the most challenging computational multiphysics problems of relevance to industry. These are problems for which custom software is needed, physically-sound mathematical models must be developed, innovative numerical methods methods are required, and/or salient input data are difficult to interpret. CoMPhys members combine formal backgrounds in engineering, math, and computer science with a strong commitment to leverage their complementary research skills through collaboration with like-minded researchers and industrial partners.
Three aspects of computational multiphysics are integrated in CoMPhys research: foundations, applications and data.
The foundational aspect of CoMPhys research addresses the development, implementation and validation of discrete and continuum multiphysics models, numerical methods for the solution of these models, and methods for the integration of control and optimization with multiphysics models. Our expertise in modelling physicochemical processes spans a broad range of areas including reacting multiphase flows, transport phenomena in porous media, turbulence, and ordered fluids. We are primarily interested in multiphysics models that solve actual engineering problems; hence we invest on robust and efficient numerical methods for fully transient three-dimensional simulations at industrially-relevant scales.
Computational multiphysics applications address current challenges across a spectrum of industries: design and optimization of proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, filters, sorbents and multiphase contactors and separators; scale-up of in situ recovery of bitumen using hydrocarbon solvents; development of technologies for phosphorus recovery from wastewater; contaminant transport in the subsurface and assessment of groundwater remediation technologies; optimal design of combustion in liquid rocket engines, high-speed aerothermodynamics and dynamics of liquid crystals.