Associate ProfessorAgisilaos Kourmatzis

Multiphase flows are all around us, from ocean sprays and aerosol paints to fuel-injected engines and drug inhalers. My research into understanding and managing these types of flows has far-reaching implications for our environment, our society and our health. I have contributed over 100 publications to this field of research and where available: pre-prints may be found here:-peer reviewed journal papersor here: peer reviewed journal papers.

A multiphase flow generally consists of a particular phase of matter, such as a liquid droplet or a solid particle, moving or flowing within a different phase, such as a gas. My research focuses on developing new and more efficient ways of controlling these types of flows, on improving our understanding of the fundamental science involved, but also on developing new technologies to characterize these flows.

For example, with a drug inhaler we want to improve targeting of the drug aerosol, hence reducing the overall dose required without negatively affecting the treatment outcome, and with a fuel spray injector, particularly now with renewable and synthetic fuels, we want to understand how we can optimize fuel/air mixing whilst also reducing emissions, and bringing us in line with net-zero. All of my research ultimately comes down to improving efficiency and reducing waste, which in an industrial context not only saves on cost but is much better for our environment, and in a health context, leads to improved treatment outcomes.

My research has had a direct impact on a broad range of organizations, from the US-FDA, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Proveris Scientific, Venso Labs, and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. A substantial portion of my research is now finding its way into a University spin-out company where I am a co-founder. 

What I really love about multiphase flows is how complicated they are. There is a lot engineering that needs to go in to characterizing and understanding something so complicated. So you end up developing a whole range of different tools and technologies that can have impact well beyond the discipline. I started my PhD in this field in 2008, and first joined the University of Sydney in 2011. There is an outstanding research culture here, enabling high-quality research in my field of interest while in parallel offering multiple exciting multi-disciplinary opportunities.