Oxford researchers win award at international spray research conference

Postdoctoral Research Assistant Dr Giovanni Tretola, the paper’s first author, and Professor Konstantina Vogiatzaki were recognised for their paper, A Mixture Density Network Model for Droplet Velocity Statistics in Jet-in-Crossflow Atomisation.

The research explores how machine learning can help predict the behaviour of tiny liquid droplets formed when a jet of liquid enters a moving stream of gas. Understanding how these droplets move is important for applications including fuel injection, combustion and other spray technologies.

Using data from detailed computer simulations, the researchers trained a machine-learning model to predict the distribution of droplet speeds under different operating conditions. Rather than estimating just an average speed, the model captures the wider range of velocities and provides information about the uncertainty in its predictions.

The results show that the model can reproduce key patterns in the simulated data, including changes in the distribution of droplet speeds. Once trained, it can estimate these distributions much faster than running the detailed simulations, within the range of conditions studied.

The findings demonstrate how machine learning can complement traditional computational methods, offering new opportunities to study sprays and the complex interactions between liquids and gases.

Dr Tretola’s research at Oxford focuses on hydrogen safety, using computational fluid dynamics and machine learning to better understand and predict the behaviour of hydrogen in different conditions.

Commenting on the award, Dr Tretola said: “I am happy that this work has been recognised. It’s encouraging to see how machine learning can complement other approaches to studying sprays and multiphase flows, and contribute to research in this field.”

The Oxford research group also contributed five other presentations at the conference, showcasing the breadth of its work in spray and multiphase-flow research.

The International Conference on Liquid Atomization and Spray Systems (ILASS) brings together researchers and specialists working on the formation, movement and application of sprays. The conference provides an opportunity to share new findings and discuss developments in the science and technology of liquid atomisation.