This research investigates near-wall turbulence, the chaotic fluid motion responsible for much of aerodynamic drag in transportation systems. Using high-resolution computational simulations and predictive modelling, the work aims to better understand turbulence near surfaces, enabling more efficient aerospace designs, reduced fuel consumption, and potentially major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

This research investigates how sunlight thermally deforms large flexible spacecraft structures such as solar panels and antennas. Combining computational modeling with laboratory experiments, the work develops methods to predict and reduce solar-induced bending and instability, enabling future spacecraft to deploy larger, lighter, and more reliable structures for deep-space exploration.