Women of ERCOFTAC

Interview with Barbara Re

Department of Aerospace Science and Technology, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
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ERCOFTAC representative to the ECCOMAS Young Investors Committee

• What is your academic background?

My research journey began with a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, co-supervised at the research institute INRIA in Bordeaux, during which I developed a conservative grid adaptation technique for moving-body problems. After its completion in 2016, I joined the CREA Lab (Compressible fluid dynamics for Renewable Energy Applications) at Politecnico di Milano. In 2018, I moved to the Institute of Mathematics at the University of Zurich to do a post-doc aimed at developing a new model for compressible multiphase flows. My previous experiences allow me to build an interdisciplinary background at the intersection of aeronautical engineering, applied mathematics, and scientific computing.

Since 2020, I have been an assistant professor in fluid dynamics at the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology of Politecnico di Milano.

• What is your research specialism?

I work in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and, in particular, on the development of numerical methods for compressible flows. I am keen on crafting simulation tools for unsteady flow problems to answer specific needs arising from technological applications. Examples are the simulation of aerodynamic bodies that undergo large deformations or shape modifications, fluid-structure interaction in a tube with movable pistons, and the modeling of transient multiphase flows that may occur in the pipeline transport of pressurized carbon dioxide within the carbon-capture and storage framework.

• What projects are you working on currently?

My primary focus is on the NI2PhORC project, funded by the European Union under the MSCA Postdoc Fellowship, which aims at developing a simulation tool for two phase-flows that typically arise in Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) applications, which represent one of the most promising technologies for waste heat recovery. Concurrently, I am working with a colleague at the Università di Brescia on adaptation techniques to advance the efficiency of RANS simulations for non-ideal flows. Finally, I am involved in the European Joint Doctorate network TRACES whose goal is to provide doctoral training in the field of ice accretion and mitigation in aircraft and aeroengines.

• What motivates you to work on fluid mechanics, or what you find fascinating about it?

What I find most fascinating in my work is that the development of a new CFD tool or simulation campaign starts with pencil and paper sketches and ends with the use of advanced computational resources. Representing the application of interest as simply as possible, finding the appropriate simulation tools, and programming new software components are the challenges that engage my interest.

• What advice would you give to young women wanting to get into STEM?

Follow your passions and learn to manage the aspects you enjoy least. STEM careers require dedication and sometimes induce some discouragement when initial ideas do not bring the desired results. Especially in these moments, the contribution of young women can be crucial because you can bring different, innovative and creative ideas to the table! Don't be shy, propose your ideas, especially if they diverge from those already under discussion.

• What are the benefits of being a member of ERCOFTAC?

ERCOFTAC membership offers great opportunities for high-level networking, both nationally with the PC and on focused subjects with SIGs, and advanced training on current topics with courses and schools.

In addition, I have the special role of ERCOFTAC representative to the ECCOMAS Young Investors Committee. This role has greatly strengthened my network and allowed me to learn more about ERCOFTAC initiatives for young researchers, especially the Montestigliano Spring School and the da Vinci competition, which I recommend young colleagues to check out!