RC&I Applauds Breakthrough Cryogenic Innovation Advancing Global Aerospace Collaboration
The Research Contracts and Innovation (RC&I) Department proudly congratulates Professor Arnaud Malan and his team on their groundbreaking advances in cryogenic modelling, recently showcased to leading experts at NASA’s Glenn Research Centre.
Professor Malan’s work, centred on the development of the high-performance computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software AlphaFlow, represents a significant leap forward in the modelling of liquid hydrogen (LH₂) storage systems. This innovation enables simulations of cryogenic tank behaviour up to 40 times faster than conventional approaches, addressing a long-standing bottleneck in aerospace engineering design.
From an innovation and technology transfer perspective, this milestone underscores the power of strategic collaboration between academia and industry. AlphaFlow is the product of a successful partnership between UCT’s SARChI Chair in Industrial CFD and the university spin-off company, Elemental Numerics, demonstrating how cutting-edge research can be translated into scalable, high-impact solutions.
RC&I Director, Dr Andrew Bailey, recognises this achievement as a compelling example of UCT’s ability to generate globally competitive intellectual property with real-world applications. “Cryogenic fluid management is a critical enabler for next-generation aerospace systems, particularly as the sector moves toward cleaner propulsion technologies such as liquid hydrogen”.
The invitation to present this work to a specialist team at NASA Glenn highlights the international relevance and commercial promise of the technology. Engagements of this nature not only validate the scientific excellence of UCT researchers but also open pathways for future partnerships, licensing opportunities, and collaborative development.
As RC&I continues to support the protection, development and commercialisation of UCT innovations, this achievement reinforces the importance of fostering ecosystems where research excellence translates into tangible societal and economic benefit.
