James C. Hill
University Professor & Chair
2114 Sweeney Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2230
Phone (515)294-4959
Fax (515)294-2689
jchill
iastate.edu
Education
B.S., ChE, Stanford, 1962
Ph.D., ChE, Washington, 1968
Honors and Awards
Lappin Award, AIChE, 1999
Iowa Board of Regents Faculty Excellence Award, 1996
Fellow of AIChE, 1995
Tau Beta Pi National Outstanding Advisor, 1994
Teaching/Office Hours Schedule
Research Interests
Fluid mechanics, turbulence, transport phenomena, reacting flows, computational fluid dynamics
Other Information
Regional Editor, Fluid Dynamics Research (Elsevier), 2004-
AIChE Board of Directors, 2001-2003
AIChE Chemical Engineering Technology Operating Council, 2003-
U.S. National Committee on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Vice Chair, 1998-2002
Tau Beta Pi, Director of District 11 (upper midwest), 1995-
ISU Computational Fluid Dynamics Center, Member
Faculty Advisor, Tau Beta Pi and ISU Solar Car Team
Research Projects
We are studying problems of turbulent transport and mixing using statistical theory, direct numerical simulation, large eddy simulations, stochastic modeling, and laboratory experiments. These studies help to clarify the role that molecular properties play in turbulent transport processes, test closure theories that are candidates for engineering models, particularly in CFD (computational fluid dynamics) applications, and to discover new features of some simple turbulent flows.
Mixing and Chemical Reaction in Homogeneous Turbulent Flows
In previous studies we have shown by direct numerical simulation the importance of the least principle strain rate in determining the course of a chemical reaction. Currently we are studying turbulent mixing and transport in a model planar-jet reactor, using stochastic modeling and large eddy simulation, and carrying out experiments using stereo-particle image velocimetry (SPIV), planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF), and laser Doppler velocimetry. Simultaneous PIV/PLIF allows direct measurement of turbulent transport rates to compare with simulations. A two-step reaction scheme is now being developed in order to test engineering and stochastic models for use in CFD applications. The results are expected to be applicable to industrial chemical reactors, combustion, and air pollution modelling.
Scalar Transport in Homogeneous Turbulent Flows
Two-point moment closure theory, linear theory, and direct simulations are being applied to the problems of heat transfer in isotropic turbulence, the decay of turbulence in a stratified fluid, transport and mixing of multiple scalars in turbulent flow, and rotational effects. The theories are self-consistent and allow the prediction of turbulent transport coefficients without laboratory experiments. In the stratified flow study, the conditions for the existence of "active" and "fossil" turbulence have being determined, and for the passive scalar problem it has been found that spectral scale matching can be used to obtain quantitative agreement with laboratory experiments.
Applications include the development of better engineering models for turbulent heat transfer and improved understanding of stratified turbulent flows that occur in nature and in some industrial processes.
Selected Publications
Hua, F., Olsen, M. G., Liu, Y., Fox, R. O., and Hill, J.C., "Investigation of Turbulent Mixing in a Confined Planar-Jet Reactor," AIChE J., 51, 2649-2664 (2005).
Gokarn, A., Battaglia, F., Fox, R. O., and Hill, J. C., "Simulations of Mixing for a Confined Co-flowing Planar Jet," Computers and Fluids, 34, xxxx (2005).
Fox, R. O. and Hill, J. C., "Models for turbulent micromixing in systems with complex chemistry," Proceedings 3rd International Symposium on Advanced Energy Conversion Systems and Related Technologies, Nagoya, Japan, 2001.
Hill, J. C., Sanderson, R. C., and Kaneda, Y., "Direct Interaction Approximation for Transport of Active and Passive Scalars in Homogeneous Turbulent Flows," Bull. Amer. Phys. Soc., 44(8), #DB.07 (1999).
Chakrabarti, M. and Hill, J. C., “First Order Closure Theories for a Series-Parallel Reaction in a Simulated Homogeneous Turbulence,” AIChE J., 43, 902-12 (1997).
Hill, J. C. and Petty, C. A., “Turbulent Transport of a Passive Scalar Field,” Chem. Eng. Commun., 152-153, 413-432 (1996).
Leonard, A. D., Hamlen, R. C., Kerr, R. M., and Hill, J. C., “Evaluation of Closure Models for Turbulent Reacting Flows,” Ind. Eng. Chem. Research, 34, 3640-3652 (1995).
Chakrabarti, M., Kerr, R. M., and Hill, J. C., “Direct Numerical Simulation of Chemical Selectivity in Homogeneous Turbulence,” AIChE J., 41, 2356-2370 (1995).
