Dr Roberto Moreno-Atanasio

Biography

Dr. Roberto Moreno-Atanasio is currently a Lecturer at the Centre for Advanced Particle Processing and Transport at the University of Newcastle, Australia. His main area of research involves the study of the behaviour of granular solids and powders in the presence and absence of fluid-solid interactions using Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the study of the behaviour of nanocolloidal suspensions. Dr. Moreno-Atanasio obtained his PhD in 2003 from the University of Surrey, UK and joined the Institute of Particle Science and Engineering at the University of Leeds as a postdoctoral researcher. The research work of Dr. Moreno-Atanasio has been previously sponsored by ICI, BNFL and the Engineering and Physical Research Council UK.

Qualifications

• PhD, University of Surrey - UK, 2003
• Bachelor of Science (Physics), University of Seville - Spain, 1996

Research

Research keywords

• Computer simulations
• Granular materials
• Interparticle interactions
• Multiphase flow
• Nanocolloidal suspensions
• Particle Technology
• Powder and solids

Research expertise

The investigations that I have carried out during the last ten years involve computer simulations based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM) of granular systems in the presence or absence of fluid interactions and more recently suspensions of nanoparticles. One of the main fields of research during my career has been to establish a link between the physical properties of single particles and the bulk particle behaviour paying special attention to interparticle interactions and to the nature of force propagation. During my PhD period I developed a deep knowledge of Contact Mechanics especially between adhesive particles, which was necessary for understanding and interpreting the bulk behaviour based on single particle properties. Amongst other problems I have studied mechanical strength and failure of aggregates, flowability of cohesive powders, fluidization and segregation. During my last project I investigated the self-assembly and disassembly of aggregates made of inorganic nanoparticles which are coated with an organic monolayer. I have developed a model to simulate these processes as they are triggered by a change in the pH of the medium.

I have also gained experience in the area of X-ray microtomography in order to be able to link in a effective way the microstructures predicted by computer simulation with the structures of real materials for different case studies.

In general, I am interested in computational analysis and software development of any type of physical, chemical, or biological systems of industrial or human interest. I am especially keen in the multidisciplinary investigations that can provide a ‘workbench’ to improve or assist in the development of present or future technologies and therefore contribute to the enrichment of quality of life.

Collaboration

My collaborators are in disciplines that combine with my main expertise in Discrete Element Method (DEM).

Within the Department of Chemical Engineering Dr. Grant Webber, who is an expert in Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) contribute to the determination of interparticle interactions in dry and wet powder systems.

Within Tunra Bulk Solids at the University of Newcastle, Prof. Mark Jones, Drs Williams, Wheeler and Wensrich that work in experimental and computational using AFM are my main collaborators.

Languages

• Spanish

Fields of Research

Centres and Groups

Centre

• Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER)
• PRC - Priority Research Centre for Advanced Particle Processing and Transport

Memberships

Body relevant to professional practice.

• Member - Australasian Particle Technology Society
• Member - Institution of Chemical Engineering. IChemE

Administrative

Administrative expertise

• Library Liaison Officer for Chemical Engineering,
• Member of the Faculty Committee
• 2nd year undergraduate adviser.
• Member of the Marketing Committee
• Member of the Student Experience Evaluation Committee.

Teaching

Teaching keywords

• Chemical Engineering
• Magnetism
• Numerical methods
• Thermodynamics

Teaching expertise

Thermodynamics, Partial Differential Equations, Statistics, Numerical Analysis, Design projects