Stefano Discetti, PI of NEXTFLOW, has been awarded an ERC Proof of Concept (PoC) grant. The new project, RT-FLOW (Real-time data-driven flow diagnostics with event-based cameras), aims at addressing key limitations in experimental fluid dynamics, including delayed feedback and the cost of current flow measurement techniques. The funding recognizes the scientific maturity and translation potential of the results from NEXTFLOW.
A central bottleneck in experimental aerodynamics is the trade-off between measurement richness and practical usability. Point probes remain indispensable but are inherently sparse, while optical methods can deliver full-field information at the cost of complex setups, large data volumes, and analysis latency that limits real-time decision-making during a test. RT-FLOW targets this gap by developing a compact event-based imaging velocimetry system, enhanced with data-driven reconstruction methods, to deliver low-latency flow-field measurements suitable for integration into design and active flow-control loops.
Beyond the core technical demonstration, RT-FLOW will formalize stakeholder-driven requirements for a real-time visualization platform. In parallel, it will define a clear exploitation pathway, supported by market analysis and application assessment. Together, these activities are intended to accelerate adoption by both research laboratories and industrial users.
