Biolocomotion and Turbulence

formerly Bardia Hejazi

I am a postdoctoral researcher in the department of Prof. Eberhard Bodenschatz. During my PhD, under the supervision of Prof. Greg Voth, I studied the dynamics of complex shaped particles in chaotic and turbulent flows and how particle-laden flows can help us develop a deeper understanding of turbulence.

Measurements of particle deformations in turbulent flows to calculate the fluid velocity gradient tensor. The particles are flexible and 3D printed using multiple resins. The 3D reconstructed particle model is an exact match to the actual particle, allowing us to measure extremely small deformations from the equilibrium state.

Measurements of particle deformations in turbulent flows to calculate the fluid velocity gradient tensor. The particles are flexible and 3D printed using multiple resins. The 3D reconstructed particle model is an exact match to the actual particle, allowing us to measure extremely small deformations from the equilibrium state.

I am interested in questions concerning fundamental turbulence and particle-turbulence interactions. In our work we use high-speed cameras to study particle motion in fluids and develop software for image analysis, tracking, and the 3D reconstruction of particles and their trajectories. I am currently interested in studying pair dispersion in turbulent flows using the unique facilities at our disposal to perform experiments at large Reynolds numbers.

The Lagrangian Exploration Module (LEM) used to achieve high Reynolds numbers in SF6.

The Lagrangian Exploration Module (LEM) used to achieve high Reynolds numbers in SF6.

More recently we have been investigating the flight and social dynamics of honeybees using the same tools we utilize to study particle dynamics in turbulence. We have investigated honeybee flight performance in turbulent conditions and are now looking to better understand the interactions between honeybees while in flight. We would also like to utilize deep learning methods in our work to identify certain characteristics of honeybees with efficiency and precision.