معرفی
Maria Rosaria Vetrano is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Sciences. She serves as the subdivision head of the EnergyVille WTK Subdivision and is an active member of multiple research institutes including EnergyVille Division, Leuven.AM (KU Leuven Institute for Additive Manufacturing), and LIMNI (KU Leuven Institute for Integration of Micro- and Nano-scale Technologies). Her leadership extends to various councils including the Faculty Council of Engineering Sciences and POC Energy.
Professor Vetrano specializes in experimental fluid dynamics with a focus on two-phase flows, including boiling flows, cavitating flows, atomization, and sprays. Her research encompasses the development of advanced measurement techniques such as Particle Image Velocimetry and light scattering methods. She also investigates nanofluids for heat transfer enhancement in both single and two-phase systems. Her work bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with practical engineering applications in thermal management and energy systems.
Professor Vetrano's recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on surface engineering for thermal management, particularly using laser texturing to enhance heat transfer in boiling systems. Her research spans droplet dynamics on superhydrophobic surfaces, bubble dynamics in micro-cavities, and nanofluid applications for spray cooling. She also contributes to advanced measurement techniques, including thermographic methods using thermo-sensitive coatings, and applies her expertise to aerospace applications like microthrusters and cryogenic systems.
Professor Vetrano serves as promotor or co-promotor for numerous research projects totaling millions in funding. Her current projects include AdvanceEJM (advanced electrochemical jet machining), research on droplet impact dynamics, cryogenic chilldown improvement, aerosol jet printing mechanisms, ultra-high-speed imaging facilities, and TwinCool cryogenic installations. She supervises multiple PhD students and research staff across these projects, focusing on experimental thermal-fluid systems with applications in energy, aerospace, and manufacturing.
Professor Vetrano leads the Applied Mechanics and Energy Conversion (TME) unit at KU Leuven's Arenberg campus. She heads the EnergyVille WTK Subdivision, coordinating research between KU Leuven and EnergyVille partners. Her team utilizes advanced facilities for two-phase flow experimentation, laser-based measurement techniques, and surface characterization. She collaborates extensively with the Leuven.AM additive manufacturing institute and LIMNI micro/nano-technology institute, enabling cross-disciplinary research in thermal-fluid systems.
