Introduction
The Kameda Group is a Fluid Mechanics (Dynamics) Laboratory in Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, TUAT. The discipline of fluid mechanics is so broad that our attention is limited to two branches in fluid mechanics.
- Research on bubble motion and flow of liquid containing bubbles
- Research on high-speed aerodynamics and next-generation supersonic passenger aircraft development
An outline of each is shown at the bottom of this page.
We are also working with researchers in fields other than mechanical engineering on
volcanology, laser physics and applied chemistry. It is a great advantage for those who study fluid mechanics that they engage in integrated research with many fields without being limited to mechanical engineering. Please refer to another page (
RESEARCH) for the specific contents of the research project.
The fields of research are expressed in academic terms :
Bubble Dynamics,
Bubbly Flow,
Gas Dynamics,
Supersonic Flow,
Acoustics,
Shock Wave,
Flow Visualization,
Computational Fluid Dynamics.
The atmosphere of the laboratory is like "a college sports club with kind and generous students". Every year, motivated students gather at Kameda Group and move around voluntarily and actively. For an overview of the laboratory life of bachelor thesis student (college senior), see "Laboratory Year" at the bottom of this page.
We are working in close cooperation with Associate Professor Yoshiyuki Tagawa's laboratory (
Click here for the website of Yoshiyuki Tagawa Lab ) , which was appointed as an associate professor of tenure track in this field in January 2013.
Almost all undergraduate graduates from 2008 onwards are enrolled in graduate school and master's programs. This is a considerably higher rate than the current enrollment rate (75%) of students in the Faculty of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. In addition, all graduates of the master's program will fly to the path (company, doctoral program) that they have thought out. For details on the career paths of graduates , please refer to
MEMBERS/ALMUNI.
Research on bubble motion and flow of liquid containing bubbles
Let's start with the research on the first pillar, air bubbles.
A flow that has two or more different phases (gas phase, liquid phase, solid phase) in a system, such as a liquid containing bubbles or a gas containing mist (fog), is called "multiphase flow". As you can see immediately, the flow of multiphase flow is much more complicated than that of gas only or liquid only (single-phase flow). Therefore, many fluid dynamics researchers are currently challenging multiphase flow in an attempt to clarify the state of this complicated flow. Multiphase flow, along with "turbulence" and "flow involving chemical reactions," is the hottest research topic in the modern fluid dynamics world.
At Kameda Group, we are conducting research on bubbles, especially from multiphase flows.
In fluid machinery such as pumps, air bubbles are often generated due to internal pressure fluctuations. This phenomenon is called "
cavitation". If the liquid contains even a small amount of bubbles, the flow structure will change dramatically and the efficiency of the fluid machine will change significantly. In addition, it is common that the entire device vibrates greatly due to the expansion and contraction of the bubbles, and the surface of the device becomes tattered due to the extremely strong shock wave generated when the bubbles disappear.
In order to clarify the cavitation phenomenon, it is necessary to investigate the movement of many bubbles due to pressure fluctuations in detail. On the other hand, when a large number of bubbles exist, the structure of the pressure wave propagating in them also changes significantly. In our laboratory, we are currently investigating the individual bubble motions that occur with pressure fluctuations from a microscopic perspective. At the same time, we are investigating the characteristics of pressure fluctuations in liquids containing bubbles from a macro perspective.
At first glance, it seems to be a modest research, but because it is basic, the research is widespread. For example, in collaboration with
a group of volcanic physics researchers, we can investigate
the effects of bubble motion on the dynamics of volcanic eruptions, and in collaboration with agricultural and molecular biology researchers, trace amounts of volatile organic compounds contained in the atmosphere ( We are developing a collection method for VOC). The appeal of bubble research is that you can choose a theme without being bound by the framework of mechanical engineering.
Research on high-speed aerodynamics and next-generation supersonic passenger aircraft development
Another pillar of Kameda Group is research on high-speed aerodynamics centered on supersonic flow.
Do you know a passenger plane called Concorde? The Concorde is the only supersonic airliner with a proven track record and was jointly developed by the United Kingdom and France in the 1960s. However, despite the development cost of 800 billion yen for this Concorde at that time, only 17 aircraft were manufactured. Contrary to its graceful appearance, it was noisy, emitted a large amount of NO
x and CO
2, and had a major problem of short cruising range (cannot be used on Pacific routes). As a result, Concorde was commercially unsuccessful.
With the retirement of Concorde, the momentum for the development of a new supersonic transportation (SST) to replace Concorde is increasing. It is said that there is a very large potential demand mainly on Asian routes.
The key to SST development is to overcome Concorde's environmental problems. Therefore, first of all, an epoch-making engine is required. Second, it is necessary to dramatically reduce the noise "sonic boom" peculiar to supersonic aircraft. In our laboratory, we are currently working with JAXA researchers on research on engine air intakes (
JAXA / Aeronautical Technology Directorate / Silent supersonic transport technology ) and shock wave vibration phenomena in the transonic speed range by numerical simulation (Buzz, Elucidation of buffet) and research on methods for improving analysis accuracy (
JAXA / Aeronautical Technology Directorate / Numerical simulation technology ), and also previously worked on research
on the establishment of sonic boom reduction methods.
In addition, JAXA's research on the development and research of wind tunnel experimental measurement technology (research
on new pressure measurement method using pressure-sensitive paint, shock wave three-dimensional structure reconstruction method using new Schlieren method) to promote these researches. (
JAXA / Aeronautical Technology Directorate / Aerodynamic Technology ). We aim that these studies will help improve Japanese technological capabilities.
Laboratory year
Let's see how to proceed with graduation research in Kameda Group.
When you are assigned to Kameda Group as a bachelor thesis student (college senior), first, in late February, you will select the theme you want to work on in your graduation thesis from multiple themes. In the case of Kameda Group, the basic team structure is one graduate student and one 4th grader on one theme.
From April to July, you devote yourselves to the preparation period for voluntarily conducting graduation research. The 4th grade students assigned to each team learn outline the research results so far, how to handle experimental equipment, and the knowledge (English, fluid mechanics, etc.) required to proceed with the research, under the guidance of graduate students.
You present what you have learned to laboratory members about once a month. In addition, regardless of whether you are a bachelor thesis student (college senior) or a graduate student, you look up English literature related to your research and explain it to the members. The ability to explain something to people is important in any field, but I don't think you have much chance to train until you enter the laboratory. This is probably the most important strengthening item in the first half of graduation research.
Before the summer vacation, you will finally consolidate your research themes as a thesis. It is unlikely that you will be working on exactly the same research work that a pair of graduate students are working on. Most bachelor thesis students (college seniors) will pursue their research with their own themes.
After the mid-term presentation of the thesis in September, the peak of graduation research will be from October to January. The success or failure of the research results will be determined by the efforts of this period.
In February, you will write your thesis based on the results of your research. Writing a long sentence like a thesis (about 50 sheets packed with 1000 characters) is probably the first experience for most people. In addition, science and technology papers are strongly required to be concise and easy for anyone to read. Through writing a thesis, you will learn how to properly compose a dissertation and how to write clear sentences.
Research is carried out in the above flow, but the specific method of conducting research, including daily life, is left to the independence of each student. Except for formal events such as study groups and journals, you are free to use the rest of your time. If you live with your own discipline and strive to acquire creativity and logic, the results will surely follow.
I think the students assigned to Kameda Group love the free and cheerful atmosphere of the lab. You will also know the joy of discovering new things yourself through independent research activities. At Kameda Group, our greatest goal is to grow our students through our research activities.