Fluids & Mechanics

Technology & Life Sciences

The expertise developed in recent years in the fields of multiphase systems, structure dynamics and engine technology, have been pooled together in the research area “Fluids & Mechanics”. The unique strengths of MCI are the interdisciplinary approaches and varied comprehensive methods such as the experimental verification of simulations or the application of control engineering concepts in mechanical systems. Nonetheless, it is of prevailing importance to find the most appropriate solution for the respective challenge with regard to the general requirements.

Dr. techn. Thomas SenfterTeaching & Research Assistant

+43 512 2070 - 4155

If you have any questions regarding this research area, please contact us: fluidsmechanics@mci.edu

Particle & Separation technology

In the field of particle and separation technology, knowledge from fluid analysis is used, for example, to optimize particle separators or to design them for special requirements. This research area focuses on the separation of particles by means of centrifugal separators, especially with counter-flow and uniflow cyclones. The latter type of cyclones offers many advantages due to their compact design and is therefore used in various technical applications for gas-particle separation (e.g. intake air pre-cleaning of motor vehicles, FCC plants, exhaust gas cleaning systems, etc.). The investigation by means of state-of-the-art experimental and numerical methods such as laser-based flow measurement technologies, online particle characterization as well as precise manufacturing processes, including rapid prototyping, allow the investigation of a wide variety of applications in detail.

Equipment & Process Optimization of Dispersed Systems

Like many other industrial sectors, the material-converting industry is facing great challenges in the optimization of processes and apparatus. Experimental know-how in methodology and prototype construction enable detailed parameter optimization for the further development of an apparatus design. Research areas comprise particle separation, bulk solids technology or emission reduction of particulate matter for example. In addition to the technical evaluation (also in the context of a meaningful linkage of the unit operations in process engineering in the plant) economic considerations (e.g. cost-benefit analysis, LCA, ...) are also applied here.

Computational Engineering

Simulation technology forms a core area of education in several MCI study programs and has established itself as an independent and interdisciplinary research area. In addition, the modern research process has long since become indispensable for modelling, simulation and visualization with the aid of high-performance computers. From classical data engineering, i.e. the collection, processing and validation of data, to complex mechanical (FEM, MBS), fluid mechanic (CFD, LB), acoustic, electromagnetic and control engineering simulations, and on to digital twins, engineering problems can be investigated and described.

Structure Dynamics

Due to the variety of moving parts and components in mechanical engineering practice, structural dynamics is of particular importance. The related structural vibrations can lead to material fatigue or undesirable acoustic behavior. Both, experimental and numerical investigations in the field of structural dynamics are conducted by the research unit. Alongside vibration measurements in an in-house laboratory, also field measurements are carried out. The results of these measurements are used to validate the numerical models as well as to determine unknown model parameters. These validated numerical models are the basis for subsequent optimization procedures.

Engines & Emissions

Given the fact that internal combustion engines represent the backbone of current mobility solutions and play a significant role in the area of energy supply, the research division Engines & Emissions particularly addresses issues related to alternative fuels, internal combustion and technologies for the reduction of emissions.

Further research areas

Team

Dr. techn. Thomas SenfterTeaching & Research Assistant

+43 512 2070 - 4155

Manuel Berger, BSc MSc PhDLecturer

+43 512 2070 - 4441

Dr. techn. Franz-Josef FalknerLecturer

+43 512 2070 - 3935franz-josef.falkner@mci.edu

Prof. Bernhard Hollaus, PhDDeputy Head of Bachelor's Program Medical, Health & Sports Technologies

+43 512 2070 - 4431

Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Tobias KoflerTeaching & Research Assistant

+43 512 2070 - 4152

Prof. DI Dr.-Ing. Michael KraxnerHeaf of Research & Development

+43 512 2070 - 1810

Benjamin Massow, BSc MScLecturer

+43 512 2070 - 3938

Christian Mayerl, BSc MScLaboratory Engineer

+43 512 2070 - 4141

Prof. Dr. Michael Meister, MScEnvironmental Engineering

+43 512 2070 - 3238

Prof. DDipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Lukas MöltnerProcess Engineering & Thermodynamics

+43 512 2070 - 4132

Matthias Panny, BSc MScTeaching & Research Assistant

+43 512 2070 - 3952

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Pillei, BSc MScHead of Department & Studies

+43 512 2070 - 4100

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sebastian RepetzkiMechanical Engineering

+43 512 2070 - 3932

Dr.-Ing. Verena Schallhart, MScTeaching & Research Assistant

+43 512 2070 - 4154

Prof. Dr. Martin Spruck, MScProcess Engineering

+43 512 2070 - 3236

DI Christina StampferTeaching & Research Assistant

+43 512 2070 - 4151

Projects

Publications

Senfter, T., Fritsch, L., Berger, M., Kofler, T., Mayerl, C., Pillei, M., Kraxner, M., Sludge thickening in a wastewater treatment plant using a modified hydrocyclone, Carbon Resources Conversion, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crcon.2021.03.001, 2021.
Senfter, T., Walter, A., Dür, L., Alber, F., Pillei, M., Do we speak the same language for reference particles in microplastic research?, Microplastics, 1, 221-228, https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics1010015, 2022.
Neuner, Thomas; Meister, Michael; Pillei, Martin; Koch, Marc; Rauch, Wolfgang (2022): Numerical and experimental flow investigation using ultrasonic PIV for optimizing mechanically agitated lab-scale anaerobic digesters. DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2022.118129 In: Chemical Engineering Science 264.
Senfter, T.; Berger, M.; Schweiberer, M.; Knitel, S.; Pillei, M. An Experimentally Validated CFD Code to Design Coanda Effect Screen Structures. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 5762. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095762
Senfter, T., Pittracher, M., Knitel, S., Berger, M., Mayerl, C., Kofler, T., Holzer, S. and Pillei, M., Influence of selected design parameters on the operation of Coanda effect screens for hydropower plants, Minisymposium Verfahrenstechnik, BOKU Vienna, AUT, 2023.
De Jaegher, A., Senfter, T., Pillei, M., PV-Abfälle als Chance für die Kreislaufwirtschaft, ÖWAV - Österreichische Abfallwirtschaftstagung, Alpbach AT, 2023
Senfter, T., Leitner, S., Zitterbart, M., Kofler, T., Mayerl, C., Berger, M., Pillei, M., Mikroplastik im Abwasser von Waschmaschinen – großes Problem für Kläranlagen, kleines Problem für die Abfallwirtschaft, ÖWAV - Österreichische Abfallwirtschaftstagung, Alpbach AT, 2023.
Senfter, T.; Ennemoser, J.; Berger, M.; Mayerl, C.; Kofler, T.; Pillei, M. An Empirical Investigation on the Influence of the Number of Particle Outlets and Volume Flow Rates on Separation Efficiency and Pressure Drop in a Uniflow Hydrocyclone. Separations 2023, 10, 169. https://doi.org/10.3390/separations10030169
Berger, M., Wilhelm, M., Senfter, T., Mayerl, C., Kofler, T., Holzer, S., Pillei, M., Roboter-LDA Flächenmessungen mit einer 30° geneigten flachen Platte in einem offenen Windkanal mit und ohne Plasmaquelle, GALA - German Association for Laser Anemometry, München GER, 2023.
Berger, M., Pillei, M., Mehrle, A., Recheis, W., Freysinger, W., Kraxner, M., and Kral, F. Automatisierte präoperative Evaluation operationsrelevanter Bereiche zur Optimierung der Nasenströmung. 62. österr. HNO-Kongress, Bregenz, 2018.

Lectures

Berger, M.; Senfter, T.; Pillei, M., First approach to simulate a blood flow vessel with an aneurysm to evaluate dangerousness with computational fluid dynamics. Austrian 3Rdays, Innsbruck, AUT, 2023.
Senfter, T., Berger, M., Kofler, T., Mayerl, C., Pillei, M., Mechanical treatment of various types of waste for electrical energy generation in biogas plants by the use of hydrocyclones, World Utilities Congress, Abu Dhabi UAE, 2023.
Senfter, T., Berger, M., Kofler, T., Mayerl, C., Holzer, S., Zitterbart, M., Pillei, M., Mechanical biowaste pre-treatment: The critical step in biomass to energy concepts, International Conference on Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Barcelona ESP/online, 2023.

Patents