EDF and IMFT Forge New Partnership to Advance Fluid Mechanics Research
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EDF,the French energy giant,and the Institut de Mécanique des Fluides de Toulouse (IMFT),a renowned research institute,have joined forces to establish a new collaborative laboratory. This partnership, known as the “Institut Commun de Mécanique des Fluides pour l’Énergie et l’Environnement” (ICMF2E), aims to further explore and innovate in the field of fluid mechanics, with a particular focus on energy and environmental applications.
The collaboration between EDF and IMFT dates back several decades,with EDF initially seeking the institute’s expertise for studies related to its hydroelectric power plants in the Midi-Pyrénées region. This relationship deepened in the 1990s, expanding to encompass research on complex fluid mechanics and flow phenomena.
One notable area of joint research has been the study of ”boiling crisis,” a phenomenon crucial for ensuring the safety of nuclear power plants.
“A reactor core is made up of fuel assemblies, consisting of cylindrical rods that transfer heat to the water,” explains William Benguigui, an engineer-researcher in fluid mechanics at EDF’s R&D department. “In certain specific situations,we study the boiling at the wall at a fine scale to better understand the mechanisms that can lead to the formation of a vapor film around the rod,which would reduce heat exchange.”
This collaborative research has resulted in several theses and scientific publications, highlighting the fruitful partnership between EDF and IMFT.
The establishment of the ICMF2E laboratory marks a significant step in solidifying this relationship.
“Our shared ambition is to continue exploring the topics we have already identified and also open ourselves up to new challenges, for example, in the field of the surroundings,” says Eric Climent, director of IMFT.
Unlocking the Mysteries of Multiphase Flows: A New Partnership for Innovation
Understanding how fluids with multiple phases interact is crucial for a wide range of industries, from energy production to environmental science. A new collaboration between EDF’s R&D division and the Institut de Mécanique des Fluides de Toulouse (IMFT) aims to deepen our knowledge of thes complex phenomena, paving the way for safer, more efficient, and sustainable technologies.
The joint laboratory, known as ICMF2E, focuses on three key areas of multiphase flow research: liquid-gas flows, flows involving particles of varying sizes, and reactive multiphase flows where the phases interact chemically. These areas are notably relevant to EDF’s operations,which span nuclear,hydraulic,and offshore wind energy.
“Our research at EDF R&D is driven by both addressing current challenges at our production sites and preparing for the future,” explains William Benguigui, an engineer researcher at EDF. ”Multiphase flow phenomena, where IMFT holds recognized expertise, are prevalent in all our production parks.”
ICMF2E leverages a powerful combination of numerical simulations and experimental testing to advance our understanding of these complex flows. This integrated approach allows researchers to validate models and gain deeper insights into the underlying physical processes.
The knowledge gained from ICMF2E’s research will directly benefit EDF’s flagship software, neptunecfd. This tool, developed in partnership with CEA, Framatome, and IRSN, is used to model and simulate two-phase flows, including liquid-gas, liquid-particle, and gas-particle mixtures.Originally designed for nuclear safety studies, neptunecfd is now finding applications in hydraulics and maritime engineering. The collaboration with IMFT since 2008 has considerably contributed to its advancement, testing, and validation.This partnership will be further strengthened by ICMF2E’s experimental work and the laboratory’s focus on high-performance computing and big data analysis.
EDF and IMFT Join Forces to Advance Multiphase Flow Research
In a move to bolster research and innovation in the field of multiphase flow, energy giant EDF and the Institut de Mathématiques de Toulouse (IMFT) have announced the creation of a joint laboratory, the ICMF2E. This collaboration brings together the expertise of EDF’s R&D division with the IMFT’s renowned research capabilities, aiming to tackle complex challenges in energy production and environmental sustainability.The ICMF2E will focus on developing advanced numerical models and experimental techniques to better understand and predict the behavior of multiphase flows, which are crucial in various industrial processes, including oil and gas extraction, nuclear power generation, and renewable energy technologies.”This partnership represents a significant step forward in our research efforts,” said Éric Climent,coordinator of the ICMF2E and a leading researcher at the IMFT. “By combining our strengths, we can accelerate the development of innovative solutions for a more sustainable energy future.”
the collaboration extends beyond research, with both partners committed to fostering the next generation of engineers and scientists. EDF and the IMFT plan to integrate their expertise into educational programs, offering students hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge research.
Furthermore, the ICMF2E will play a key role in raising the profile of multiphase flow research. In May 2025, Toulouse will host the 12th International Conference on Multiphase Flow (ICMF 2025), a prestigious event in the field. this year, the IMFT, in collaboration with EDF, will organize the conference, marking a first for the French energy company.
This joint venture promises to be a catalyst for innovation and progress in the field of multiphase flow, with far-reaching implications for the energy sector and beyond.
Time.news Editorial discussion on EDF & IMFT’s New Partnership
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Benguigui, thanks for joining us today.
Dr. Benguigui: it’s a pleasure to be here.
time.news Editor: Let’s talk about this exciting new partnership between EDF and IMFT, the “Institut Commun de Mécanique des Fluides pour l’Énergie et l’Environnement” (ICMF2E). What is the driving force behind this collaboration?
Dr. Benguigui: The partnership has deep roots, stemming back decades. EDF initially sought IMFT’s expertise for studies related to our hydroelectric power plants.As our collaboration deepened, we recognized a shared ambition to push the boundaries of fluid mechanics research, notably in areas relevant to energy and the environment.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned energy. Can you elaborate on the specific applications this research could have?
Dr. Benguigui: Absolutely. One crucial area is understanding “boiling crisis,” a phenomenon where a vapor film forms around fuel rods in nuclear reactors. This can hinder heat exchange,perhaps compromising reactor safety. By studying this phenomenon at a fine scale,we can develop better understanding and potentially improve reactor design for enhanced safety.
Time.news editor: That sounds incredibly complex and critical research. what other areas will ICMF2E be focusing on?
Dr. Benguigui: The laboratory will delve into three key areas:
- Multiphase Flows: These involve the interaction of liquids and gases, a critical aspect of many industrial processes, from oil and gas extraction to power generation.
- Flow Turbulence: Understanding turbulence is essential for optimizing processes like wind energy generation and aircraft design.
- Fluid-Structure Interactions: this area focuses on the interaction between fluids and moving structures, with applications in various fields, including infrastructure design and biomedical engineering. [[1]]
Time.news Editor: This sounds like a significant leap forward in fluid mechanics research. How will this collaboration benefit both EDF and IMFT?
Dr. Benguigui: The partnership creates a fertile ground for innovation.
EDF gains access to IMFT’s world-class expertise, fostering advancements in our core operations. IMFT, in turn, benefits from EDF’s real-world challenges and access to large-scale experimental facilities. This symbiotic relationship accelerates knowledge creation and translates research into tangible applications.
Time.news Editor: Truly a win-win situation. Thank you for your time and insightful explanations, Dr. Benguigui.
Dr. Benguigui: My pleasure.
