<p><strong>Expertise:</strong> The research group on Biofluidics of MeBioS develops model-based design tools to investigate, design and optimize agrofood processes by means of a wide range of physical modelling techniques using Finite Element Analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics. Fundamental research areas are multiphase fluid-particle/droplet flows in complex structures such as plants and bulks, porous media mass transfer, convection-diffusion-reaction modeling, micro- and nanofluidics and multiphysics. Emphasis is put on modelling of processes at different spatial scales (multiscale modelling), taking into account nano- and microstructural properties of products in process design. Microstructure imaging methods and microscale models are thereto developed. Applications cover the entire agrofood chain, including the design and optimization of agricultural machinery, storage facilities, processing appliances and diagnostic devices. The group also has expertise in the required measurement techniques for fluid flow, heat and mass transfer in processing equipment and products. Technology transfer of fundamental and applied research occurs through the platform CADcracker (www.cadcracker.be), by means of bilateral research and technology development with industrial partners.</p>

<p><strong>Facility:</strong> * FEA software * CFD software * High performance computing cluster * CA containers and ULO rooms * Thermometry and velocimetry equipment</p>

<p><strong>Priority:</strong> * Fluid flow, heat and mass transfers in biosystems * Modelling * Spray technology and application techniques, pesticide fate modelling, sprayer design and optimization, spray-canopy interactions * Local air quality and vegetation, canopy models * Refrigeration and storage technology, modelling, design, optimization and control * Thermal processing technology, modelling, design and optimization * microfluidics, biosensor design and optimization</p>