University of Wales Institute of non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics

Chairman:   Professor K Walters FRS (Aberystwyth University)
Deputy Chairman: Professor P Townsend (Swansea University)

Directors:  
  •    Professor T N Phillips (Cardiff University)
  •    Professor M F Webster (Swansea University)
  •    Professor P R Williams (Swansea University)

The University of Wales Institute of non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics was conceived as a means of focusing the research activities of the Aberystwyth, Bangor and Swansea fluid mechanics groups working in the area of non-Newtonian fluid mechanics. Collaboration between the groups was already strong and the setting up of the Institute in 1991 formalised existing contacts within a University of Wales setting. In 2002, the Institute welcomed its first member from Cardiff University.

The Institute provides a multidisciplinary environment for meeting the challenge of modern rheological problems in industry. It brings together expertise in experimental and theoretical rheology, including the latest techniques for the characterisation of the mechanical behaviour of materials through rheometrical measurement. In addition, extensive expertise is available in the mathematical modelling of rheological flows, including complex three-dimensional flows associated with industrial processes.

The aims of the Institute are:

  • enhanced collaboration between the institutions within a multidisciplinary environment
  • the development of stronger ties with industry by offering a wider spectrum of expertise
  • the sharing of computing facilities
  • the organisation of workshops and research meetings
  • the provision of a technical report series for the early release of publishable research material.

The contact between the Institute and its many industrial sponsors is of mutual benefit. The Institute receives finance and practical advice from the sponsors, who in turn receive regular reports and publications and have direct access to the pool of research expertise of the Institute staff through sponsored research and consultancies.

 

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