Multiphase Flow Science Tools
Stored: Multiphase Flow Science Tools
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | National Energy Technology Laboratory |
| Top Organization | Department of Energy |
| Creation Legislation | None |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | Multiphase Flow Science Tools program creates tools to study multiphase flows, cutting costs in energy tech design with open-source simulations and data. |
| Program Start | 1980s |
| Initial Funding | Not publicly specified |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Historic | No |
The Multiphase Flow Science Tools program, spearheaded by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) under the Department of Energy, is a long-standing effort initiated in the 1980s to create a suite of simulation-based engineering tools and experimental resources for multiphase flow research. Centered around its flagship open-source software, MFiX (Multiphase Flow with Interphase eXchanges), it supports over 7,000 registered users worldwide with tools like MFiX-TFM, MFiX-DEM, MFiX-PIC, and MFiX-Exa, alongside experimental facilities like the Multiphase Flow Analysis Laboratory, addressing complex flows in fossil energy, carbon capture, and environmental remediation.[1]
With over three decades of development, it has evolved to include exascale-ready codes and AI-enhanced tools, notably with the MFiX 24.4 release in 2024, reinforcing its role in advancing next-generation energy systems.
Goals
- Provide validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools to simulate multiphase flows for energy and environmental applications.
- Generate high-fidelity experimental data to support model development and code validation.
- Enhance reactor design efficiency and scalability through open-source software and collaborative research.[2]
Organization
The Multiphase Flow Science Tools program is managed by NETL’s Computational Science and Engineering Directorate (CSE), with a team of about 30 DOE and contractor researchers led by a Program Manager within NETL’s Multiphase Flow Science Group.[3] Funding primarily comes from DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), with additional support from the Office of Science and Office of Environmental Management, sustaining software development, lab operations, and stakeholder outreach like the 2024 MFS Workshop.
History
Originating in the 1980s as CFD emerged, the program formalized with MFiX’s early development to tackle reacting multiphase systems, driven by fossil energy needs.[4] It gained prominence with MFiX’s open-source release in the 1990s, expanding to over 7,000 users by 2025, with milestones like MFiX-Exa’s exascale push (2018) and the 2024 multi-cloud migration enhancing accessibility. It continues to evolve, integrating AI via NETL’s SAMI and supporting DOE’s Energy Earthshots, with no planned end.
Funding
Initial funding in the 1980s was not publicly detailed, sourced from NETL’s R&D budget under DOE’s Fossil Energy program.[5] Ongoing support, including the 2024 MFiX upgrades, comes from FECM appropriations—e.g., $185 million in FY 2023 for related R&D—covering software, labs, and HPC resources like Joule, with no termination date as it aligns with DOE’s mission.
Implementation
The program delivers tools via mfix.netl.doe.gov, with MFiX versions (e.g., TFM, DEM, PIC, Exa) and experimental data from NETL’s Multiphase Flow Analysis Laboratory since the 1990s.[6] It progresses through iterative releases—e.g., MFiX 24.4 (2024)—and lab validations, offering open-source access and forums like the MFS Support Forum. It’s an ongoing effort, adapting to exascale and AI advancements with no fixed end.
Related
External links
- https://mfix.netl.doe.gov
- https://www.netl.doe.gov/research/energy-data-exchange
- wikipedia:Multiphase flow
Social media
References
- ↑ "NETL Multiphase Flow Science". National Energy Technology Laboratory. https://mfix.netl.doe.gov.
- ↑ "EDX Overview". National Energy Technology Laboratory. https://www.netl.doe.gov/research/energy-data-exchange.
- ↑ "About MFS". National Energy Technology Laboratory. https://mfix.netl.doe.gov/about.
- ↑ "NETL Multiphase Flow Science". National Energy Technology Laboratory. https://mfix.netl.doe.gov.
- ↑ "EDX Multi-Cloud Migration". National Energy Technology Laboratory. https://www.netl.doe.gov/node/12808.
- ↑ "NETL Multiphase Flow Science". National Energy Technology Laboratory. https://mfix.netl.doe.gov.