Turbulence Research

Turbulence, often referred to as the last unsolved problem in classical physics, is ubiquitous in many physical phenomena. Meteorological and oceanographic processes, pollutant dispersion, combustion, flight and air conditioning, for example, all rely on turbulence mixing. But why is turbulence so difficult to understand and to model? One of the most challenging aspects in the study of turbulence is the development of a complete and satisfactory theory. Indeed, it is not possible to carry out a proper theoretical analysis without making assumptions because the local velocity in turbulent flows fluctuates over a large range of spatial and temporal scales.

Turbulence research at the University of Newcastle was initiated in 1975 by Professor Robert Antonia and now continues under the leadership of Professor Lyazid Djenidi in the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment. The activities of the research group range from fundamental work, especially that related to small scale turbulence, to applied research, for example the control of turbulent shear flows and boundary layers.

The turbulence work undertaken by the University of Newcastle is well recognised for its research impact both in Australia and internationally. Over the years, the group has forged close and successful collaborations with researchers and research groups in the USA, UK, France, Italy, Canada, Japan, China and India.

The group has an outstanding track record in terms of research outputs and support. Its work in turbulence has been continuously funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) since the group’s establishment in 1975 and it is proud of its exceptional track record in terms of publications in the best fluid mechanics journals. Professor Antonia, founder of the turbulence research theme at the University of Newcastle, is highly cited, with more than 9000 ISI citations and an h factor of 47.

For further information on turbulence research at the University of Newcastle, please contact Professor Lyazid Djenidi.

Our People

Lead Researchers

Professor Lyazid Djenidi
Emeritus Professor R.A. Antonia
Associate Professor S. Rajagopalan

Post-Doctoral fellows

Dr S.K. Lee
Dr F Thiesset

PhD students

Nathan Lefeuvre
George Wakeham
Md Kamurazzaman

Overseas Chief Investigators

Professor L. Danaila (University of Rouen, France)
Associate Professor S. Leonardi (University of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico)