Research
Our complete list of research publications can be viewed on: 
Our research spans the following key themes:
Capillary waves and microparticles Capillary networks for transport Phase change dynamics Surface coatings
Research facilities and capabilities
Capillary waves and microparticles
Mimicking the striations of sand on beaches, in this research we use low frequency (~ 10 Hz) water waves to enrich and sort nano- and micro-particles in micro and millifuidic systems.
The ability to manipulate particulates has a range of applications in process industries, microfluidics, bio-processing, and material science.
Research Funding: Northern Accelerator, EPSRC
Key publications
- P. Agrawal, S. S. Bhanushali, P. S. Gandhi and A. Neild, Capillary wave sieve: continuous particle separation using millimeter-scale capillary waves, Physical Review Applied, 18, 054070, 2022
- P. Agrawal, P. S. Gandhi and A. Neild, Continuous focusing of microparticles in an open channel undergoing low frequency vibrations, Physical Review Applied, 10, 024036, 2018
- P. Agrawal, P. S. Gandhi and A. Neild, Particle manipulation affected by streaming flows in vertically actuated open rectangular chambers, Physics of Fluids, 28(3), 032001, 2016
Capillary networks for transport
Nature has evolved multi-scaled structures, balancing convective and diffusive flows for efficient tranport in plants. We take inspirtation from such features to investigate and enhance transport of energy and mass in engineering systems for applications in heat exchange, microfluidics and forensics.
Research Funding: The Royal Society, EPSRC DSM Network+
Key publications
- P. Agrawal, H. Kumar and P. Kumar, Rapid and even spreading of complex fluids over a large area in porous subsrates, Applied Physics Letters, 117, 073703, 2020 (Selected by the journal as a Featured Article: Sandwich device ensures rapid and even spreading of biofluids for analysis, AIP Scilight, 2020)
- P. Agrawal, P. S. Gandhi, M. Majumder, and P. Kumar, Insight into the design and fabrication of a leaf mimicking micropump, Physical Review Applied, 12, 031002, 2019 (Selected by the American Physical Society for a 'Featured in Physics' focus article: Leaf-like veins are key to efficient pump, Physics, 12, 102, 2019)
- P. Agrawal, L. Barnet and D. Attinger, Bloodstains on woven fabric: simulations and experiments for quantification of the uncertainty on impact and directional angles, Forensic Science International, 278, 240-252, 2017
Phase change dynamics
Phase change phenomena like condensation and boiling are ubiquitous, from industrial processes to household equipment. Using unique surface interactions, we investigate and control phase change dynamics of soft matter for a range of applications in power generation, heat exchange and water purification.
Key publications
- P. Agrawal and G. McHale, Leidenfrost Effect and Surface Wettability, The Surface Wettability Effect on Phase Change, Springer, 189-233, 2021
- P. Agrawal, G. G. Wells, R. Ledesma-Aguilar, G. McHale and K. Sefiane, Beyond Leidenfrost levitation: A thin-film boiling engine for controlled power generation, Applied Energy, 287, 116556, 2021
- P. Agrawal, G. G. Wells, R. Ledesma-Aguilar, G. McHale, A. Buchoux, A. Stokes and K. Sefiane, Leidenfrost heat engine: Sustained rotation of levitating rotors on turbine-inspired substrates, Applied Energy, 240, 399-408, 2019
- L. E. Dodd, P. Agrawal, M. T. Parnell, N. R. Geraldi, B. B. Xu, G. G. Wells, S. Stuart-Cole, M. I. Newton, G. McHale, D. Wood Low-friction self-centering droplet propulsion and transport using a Leidenfrost herringbone-ratchet structure, Physical Review Applied, 11 (3), 034063, 2019
Surface coatings
Nature provides several fascinating examples of liquid repellent coatings, e.g., lotus leaves, desert beetles and pitcher plants. Through a combination of chemical and physical properties, we develop and deploy various oil and water repellant surface coatings, towards applications in self-cleaning, anti-icing, food packaging and fog-collection
- M.H. Biroun, L. Haworth, P. Agrawal, B. Orme, G. McHale, H. Torun, M. Rahmati, and Y. Fu, Surface Acoustic Waves to Control Droplet Impact onto Superhydrophobic and Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surfaces, ACS Applied Material Interfaces, 13, 38, 46076–46087, 2021
Research facilities and capabilities
- High-speed imaging
- Thermal imaging
- Environmental control systems
- Soft lithography
- Rheology
- Surface coatings
- Surface characterisation
- Rapid prototyping
- Finite element simulations
