Since 2016, the IWMA (International Water Mist Association) scientific council evaluate submissions from scientists applying for the IWMA Young Talent Award. To ensure that the prize goes to theses on different levels, it alternately goes to the best master or Ph.D. thesis.
In 2023, the winner is Martin Thielens who graduated from Ghent University in October 2022. The title of his Ph.D. thesis is: “Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics Modelling of Water Sprays in Fire-Driven Flows”. The award will be handed over in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 12th October during the 22nd International Water Mist Conference.
In the letter of support from his supervisors Prof. Dr. Tarek Beji and Prof. Bart Merci it says: “The main goal was to improve the current capabilities of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in the prediction of water spray dynamics and their interaction with fire-driven flows. The ultimate purpose is to foster the use of CFD as a more reliable tool in the design of active fire suppression systems like sprinklers or water mist”.
In 2024, the award will go to the author of the best master thesis. Deadline to hand in synopses is be 30th April 2024.