Turbomachinery Research
Understand the Extreme Events in Turbomachines
Stall, surge, and cavitation are all extreme events that are detrimental to the performance of turbomachines. We use sophisticated imaging techniques to look into the complex flow fields to understand the causes of these events. Later, we use advanced flow control techniques to mitigate their effects. Figure 1 shows how casing grooves can help delay the onset of stall, Figure 2 shows the complex vortical structure measured by 3D PIV, and Figure 3 shows an axial waterjet pump experiencing severe cavitation.
UNLV–Nikkiso Test Facility
In October 2025, FIL partnered with Nikkiso Cryo Inc. to build a turbomachinery test facility for studying cavitation in LNG pump inducers. David Schmidt is working on its design and construction.
Read the partnership announcement
Tip-Leakage Cavitation
Eunsu Hwang studied tip-leakage cavitation in hydrofoils during his exchange at UNLV, which concluded in June 2026.
Stall delaying by casing grooves
Complex vortex structure in the tip region of a turbomachine
Cavitation inside an axial waterjet pump