Transfers, Interfaces & Processes (TIPs)
Research topics
The Transfers, Interfaces and Processes (TIPs) laboratory of the Université libre de Bruxelles is a research group of about forty people. We carry out research in the field of applied mathematics, physics of fluids, process/mechanical engineering, and transport phenomena. More precisely, we are currently interested in the following topics:
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Drying and cookingFrom the scale of the interface to the design of new devices -
Enzymatic processesNature at its best -
Evaporation and boilingInto the intriguing complexity of the evaporation of liquids -
Gas-liquid transfersMulti-scale analysis of interfacial transfers in gas-liquid contactors -
MicrofluidicsMastering the processes at the microscale -
Physiological fluidsExploring the human body with a mechanistic approach -
Soft/Wet microroboticsSmall is beautiful -
Surface rheologyNew insights into the rheological properties of a free surface -
Ancient hydraulic systemsDiscovering the technological mastery of Roman engineers
About TIPs
The objective of the research carried out at the Transfers, Interfaces and Processes (TIPs) laboratory of the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is the experimental characterization and the mathematical modeling of transport phenomena within systems containing several phases (gas and/or liquid and/or solid), exchanging matter, heat or momentum, through an interface between these phases, at scales between the micron and the millimeter. The research carried out revolves around mainly fundamental and/or generic questions. They have direct applications in the fields of health, environment, heat transfer technologies and agro-food, chemical, microtechnology, materials and space industries. The research results of the TIPs laboratory have led to numerous patents and also enabled the creation of the spin-off Secoya Technologies.
Our current research concerns 9 scientific topics: Drying, Enzymatic processes, Evaporation and boiling, Gas-liquid transfers, Microfluidics, Physiological fluids, Soft/Wet microrobotics, Surface rheology and, as a side research area, the characterization of Ancient hydraulic systems.
The TIPs laboratory is composed of 6 professors and approximately 35 researchers.
The TIPs is also deeply involved in development cooperation, through many projects, mainly in the frame of the Codepo unit.
The professors
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Pierre ColinetResearch director at the F.R.S.-FNRS -
Frédéric DebasteUniversity professor -
Benoit HautHead of the laboratory, University professor -
Pierre LambertUniversity professor -
Thomas LessinnesUniversity professor -
Benoit ScheidSenior Research Associate at the F.R.S.-FNRS
Equipment
The TIPs laboratory has an experimental facility devoted to the realization, the characterization and the manipulation of systems including several phases (gas and/or liquid and/or solid), exchanging mass, energy or momentum, at a characteristic length scale between the micron and the millimeter.