IIE Research Projects

Research Projects at the Institute for Infrastructure and Environment (IIE). You can search keywords within Project Titles.

We also have a number of Infrastructure and Environment PhD opportunities for postgraduate students looking to join the School.

Search keywords within Research Project titles
Project Title Principal Supervisorsort ascending Project Summary
Modelling of dense suspensions rheology

Dr. Jin Sun

We examine the rheology of granular dense suspensions using computer simulations with discreste particles and develop constitutive models for flow of such suspensions.

Flow and sintering of non-spherical particles in additive manufacturing

Dr. Jin Sun

The Edinburgh part of the project focues on the multi-physics modelling of particle dynamics and sintering behaviour in selective laser sintering processes. This work is an integrated part of an EPSRC funded project to develop fundamental understanding of particle behavour in additive manufacturing, collaborating with the University of Exeter. This project proposes to investigate the way polymeric powders of different shapes and sizes flow, interact and sinter in the laser sintering process, through modelling and experimental validation. Laser sintering is part of the additive manufacturing technology, known for its benefits in industries where custom made products, lightweight and complex designs are required.

 

Particle Dynamics and suspension rheology in electrical discharge

Dr. Jin Sun

The Edinburgh part of the project focuses on multi-physics modelling of particle dynamics and suspension rheology in electrical discharge processes. This work is an integrated part of an EPSRC funded project to develop novel electrical discharge methods (EDM) for functional surface coating, collaborating with The University of Nottingham. This project aims to revolutionise the way industrial electrical discharge machining processes can be used. It will transform the process from a machining only technique to a method that is also capable of novel surface treatments at the same time. 

Dense suspension rheology through DEM simulations

Dr. Jin Sun

Mud, slurry, coffee, paints, cements, batteries and many other everyday materials have particles suspended in a liquid. We need to understand the flow behaviour to handle, and process such materials for traditional and innovative applications. Our research seeks to understand the common features of the flow behaviour of different materials using simple particle based simulations. In particular, we focus on dense suspensions where the particles occupy more than 50 % by volume of the solution.

Modelling and measurement for oil and gas multi-phase flows - SPH-DEM fluid-particle simulation and validation

Dr Filipe Teixeira-Dias

The exploration and development of deeper wells with heavier and more viscous oils, requiring greater operating pressures and more fracture to fissures to release the oils. This results in significantly increased sand content that has the potential to bring about a fundamental shift in flow behaviour. This project aims to investigate the potential – and develop – a coupled smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and discrete element method (DEM) model to simulate high-pressure multi-phase flows with support from an extensive experimental programme and industrial collaboration.

Bioenergy from waste for sustainable heat and power production

Dr Efthalia Chatzisymeon, Prof Tina Düren (University of Bath), Dr Blanca Antizar Ladislao

This research project is investigating ways to increase the bio methane potential of food waste through a combination of laboratory and desk based studies. The aim being to increase sustainable heat, power and biofertiliser production through anaerobic digestion.

Nanomaterials for water treatment

Dr Efthalia Chatzisymeon

This project will use novel catalytic nanoparticles for water treatment with emphasis given on the removal of emerging micro-pollutants, such as Bisphenol A (BPA).

Bacterial Removal from Recycled Water from Aquaculture Activities

Dr Efthalia Chatzisymeon

This project aims to explore the feasibility of the UV technique to clean the reused shellfish processing water.

Sustainable Oxidation Processes for the treatment of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products

Dr Efthalia Chatzisymeon

My research focuses on the removal of selected micro contaminants and potential Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) from water and wastewater by means of the photocatalytic process as well as on the investigation of method’s sustainability.

Are some phobias good? Examining hydro-mechanical relationships in hydrophobic soils

Dr Chris Beckett

Extreme climatic events in the 21st century threaten the resilience of geotechnical engineering structures. Low-permeability barriers are at a particularly high risk of inundation under flooding or cracking during droughts, compromising the barriers and permitting contamination of the surrounding ground.

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