Nicolò Varallo
PhD thesis title: Digital twins: optimized reliable models to simulate complex systems
Academic Tutor: Luigi Pietro Maria Colombo
Academic Supervisor: Fabio Inzoli
Industrial Supervisor: Chiara Della Torre, Fabrizio Podenzani and Keld Lund Nielsen
Affiliate external company or research group: Eni SpA
PhD cycle: 39° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)
BSc: Energy Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
MSc: Energy Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorm, Institute of Fluid Dynamics, OpenFoam modelling of multiphase flows, Dresden, Germany (30/03/2025 - 30/09/2025). AIM: Validation of the morphology-adaptive multifield two-fluid model (MultiMorph) for air–water flows under different flow regimes.
Best Paper Award, Fluids (MDPI): ``Computational Fluid Dynamics Modelling of Two-Phase Bubble Columns: A Comprehensive Review``
Thesis abstract
The pipelines and components managing multiphase flows consist of a set of manifolds and separators operating at different pressures. The distribution of the multiphase flow often leads to imbalances in flow rates and fluid composition, resulting in flow instabilities.
In my PhD project, I designed and built an experimental facility to characterize the multiphase flow distribution through a geometry with parallel vertical pipes fed by the same inlet manifold. The experimental data are used to validate and develop numerical models capable of handling such physical complexities.
In my PhD project, I designed and built an experimental facility to characterize the multiphase flow distribution through a geometry with parallel vertical pipes fed by the same inlet manifold. The experimental data are used to validate and develop numerical models capable of handling such physical complexities.
Personal interest in my research theme
My passion for this research stems from the complexity of multiphase flows and their relevance to energy systems. This interest began during my Master’s thesis, where I conducted a CFD study on bubble columns and became fascinated by the rich and intricate dynamics of multiphase flows. Understanding these phenomena is crucial to improving the efficiency and sustainability of many industrial processes, and I find the scientific challenges they present both stimulating and rewarding.
