Andrea Ferrario
PhD thesis title: Multi-scale analysis of bubble columns: from local phenomena towards real applications
Academic Tutor: Luigi Pietro Maria Colombo
Academic Supervisor: Giorgio Besagni
PhD cycle: 40° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)
BSc: Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
MSc: Energy Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
Thesis abstract
Multiphase flows are a fascinating field where fluid dynamics meets the interaction between different phases. In my PhD, I study gas–liquid dynamics to improve the design and operation of bubble column reactors and to understand the behaviour of Ionic Liquids as innovative working fluids. My research focuses on bubble coalescence: I designed an experimental facility and use high‑speed image analysis to study the merging and bouncing of contacting bubbles. Although coalescence occurs locally, its dynamics strongly influence bubble size distributions, flow regimes, and ultimately the global behaviour of bubble column reactors.
Personal interest in my research theme
During my Bachelor Thesis I discovered a strong interest in experimental work while carrying out thermal and fluid‑dynamic measurements. This curiosity grew during my Master Thesis, where I became familiar with multiphase flows and image‑based analysis. I was fascinated by how small interfacial events can affect entire systems, and this multiscale complexity is what motivated me to study bubble coalescence.
