Whether in the production of pharmaceuticals and edible fats, algae production, or wastewater treatment: the chemical and pharmaceutical industries rely on massive reactors where gases and liquids interact. However, the internal flows within these large-scale facilities are extremely complex. Predicting how liquids behave in a small laboratory device and transferring this to factory dimensions is highly challenging. Consequently, making the necessary predictions for enlarging such facilities – the so-called scale-up – remains difficult.
Using turbulence research to achieve the optimal industrial model
This is where the research of Prof. Martin Obligado begins. Obligado is a Professor of Fluid Mechanics at Centrale Lille Institute in France. Following his physics studies in his home country of Argentina, he previously conducted research at the renowned Imperial College London and Grenoble Alpes University. At the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), he is now investigating how turbulent energy is produced, transferred, and dissipated within swirling liquids.
"In simpler terms, we want to understand how the motion generated by individual bubbles is connected to the large-scale circulation and mixing observed throughout a reactor," explains Prof. Martin Obligado. "A better understanding of these mechanisms could ultimately contribute to more reliable models for industrial reactors." In industrial facilities, gas bubbles stir up liquids very irregularly. Large circulation patterns coexist directly with much smaller turbulent structures created by bubble wakes.
To make these swirling motions visible down to the smallest detail, the project combines cutting-edge optical measurement techniques. These include laser-based velocity measurements, high-resolution endoscopy, and highly sensitive miniature flow sensors. The experimental facilities at TU Hamburg provide optimal conditions for this work, according to the Humboldt Fellow: "The equipment at TU Hamburg makes it possible to investigate whether physical mechanisms and modelling approaches developed in small facilities remain valid when the reactor size is increased."
Collaborative Research Centre SMART Reactors
Since July 2026, Obligado has been strengthening the team at the Institute of Multiphase Flows at TU Hamburg, led by Prof. Michael Schlüter. Over a three-year period, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is funding a total of nine months of research work, which the scientist is dividing into three separate guest visits.
The fellowship is closely integrated into the scientific environment of the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1615 "SMART Reactors for Future Process Engineering". Coordinated by TU Hamburg, this research consortium investigates how chemical reactors can operate autonomously and respond flexibly to changing operating conditions using intelligent sensors, 3D-printed materials, and artificial intelligence. While the Hamburg researchers focus heavily on material and reactor development, Prof. Obligado contributes his physical knowledge of turbulence. His data will help significantly refine the CRC's computer-based models.
About the funding
The Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowships offer exceptionally qualified scientists from all over the world the opportunity to carry out a long-term research project in cooperation with an academic institution in Germany. The monthly fellowship can be flexibly divided into up to three stays within three years. Both postdocs and experienced researchers from all disciplines are eligible to apply.
Further information: Humboldt Research Fellowship
