Research Interests

Research directions

• Aerodynamics and unsteady flow, optical flow diagnostics
• Advanced flow control techniques
• Two-phase flow

Previous projects

• Aerodynamically controlled jet flow
• Flow over swept wing models (EPSRC, BAEsystem, QinetiQ, MoD).
• Flow separation control in turbulent boundary layer using a synthetic jet array (EPSRC, Airbus)

Current project

Development and interactions of wind turbine wake within wind farms (EPSRC, RCUK).

The complex wake effects result in under-performance and extra load of wind turbines in the centre and down-wind edge of wind farms. The aim of this project is to understand the development and interaction of turbine wakes within wind farms, especially in the context of offshore wind farms. Wind tunnel simulation will be employed to investigate the physics of the wake development and deep array effects within wind farms. The research outcome will benefit  optimization of overall power output and future offshore wind farm.

Publications

• S Zhong and S Zhang, “3D interaction of round synthetic jets with a separated turbulent flow”, Submitted to Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 2011
• S Zhang, S McParlin, A J Jaworski and J T Turner, “Experimental investigation of flow structures over a three-dimensional 40 degree swept wing model” submitted to AIAA Journal, 2011
• S Zhang and J T Turner, “An aerodynamically excited turbulent jet in the helical mode”, Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 2011(doi:10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2011.07.006)
• S Zhang and S Zhong, “Control of turbulent flow separation over a 2D ramp by an array of synthetic jets”, to appear in AIAA Journal, 2011
• S Zhang, A J Jaworski, J T Turner and N J Wood, “Investigation of the three-dimensional flow over a 40° swept wing”, Aeronautical Journal 115, July 2011
• S Zhang and J T Turner, “Visualisation of the large-scale structures in an aerodynamically
  excited turbulent jet”, Meas. Sci. Technol. 21 (2010) (doi: 10.1088/0957-0233/21/7/075404)
• S Zhang and S Zhong, "An experimental investigation of flow separation control using an array of synthetic jets". AIAA Journal. Vol. 48. No. 3. March 2010 (doi: 10.2514/1.43673)
• J T Turner and S Zhang, “Analysis, presentation, and understanding in experimental fluid flow studies: an evolutionary story” J. Optics and Laser Technology. 2009 (doi:10.1016/j.optlastec.2009.12.002)
• J T Turner and S Zhang, “On the use of colour in experimental fluid mechanics” Int. J. of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics. Vol. 4, No. 3, pp1-15, 2009