Atlantic Ocean water mass classification from machine learning

Water masses are large bodies of water with distinct properties. Identifying them helps us understand how the ocean moves, mixes, and transports heat, carbon, oxygen, and other properties. This usually requires detailed chemical measurements, which are typically only available in few sparse locations along ship tracks. In a new study co-authored by Dr Ali Mashayek,

Capillary trapping of carbon dioxide in an anticline

To ensure that the carbon dioxide captured during industrial processes is safely stored underground, it is essential to have a detailed understanding of the different mechanisms by which CO2 is trapped in geological aquifers. PhD student Ross Shepherd has been studying the long-term, post-injection fate of carbon dioxide in deep aquifers.   During today’s seminar,

Mechanisms of electrolyte dipping for thin nitrile gloves

Thin elastomeric gloves are protective equipment and essential in many occupations. Their value in the health and care sector was demonstrated during the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Most thin gloves are made from aqueous polymer dispersions, often called a latex, using a dipping process. A hand-shaped mould is dipped into a saturated calcium nitrate solution, followed

Powering the energy transition: novel materials, smarter fuels, and heat re-use

How do we deliver a low-carbon future while meeting the world’s growing energy demands? At the end of April, a webinar will bring together professors and researchers from the Institute to explore practical, scalable solutions for the energy transition. Chaired by Professor Stuart Clarke, the session will highlight how fundamental research is enabling cleaner fuels,

Improving wind and tidal turbines performance

Wind energy supplied approximately 30% of UK electricity in 2025, underscoring its central role in the energy transition. Tidal power, though still at the demonstration stage, has the potential to meet up to 11% of annual UK electricity demand. However, key fluid dynamic challenges continue to limit the performance, scalability, and environmental acceptability of turbine

Experiments on ice melting in nature

Constraining the key controls on ice melting in glaciers and the ocean is essential for climate models. Edoardo Bellincioni is a PhD student, currently working in the Physics of Fluids group at the University of Twente under the supervision of Sander Husiman and Detlef Lohse. During his PhD, Edoardo has been running laboratory experiments to

Crack pattern detection in dried deposits

The surface of old paintings often exhibits a series of cracks, reminiscent of the cracks which develop on parched ground during a drought. In both cases, the cracks develop over time as a result of surface desiccation.  In fact, the evaporation of the solvent from a film of a colloidal suspension induces the formation of