Associate Professor Phil Clausen
Associate Professor
School of Engineering
EditCareer Summary
Biography
Since starting my academic career, the small wind turbine research work has attracted over $500,000 in research income. In 2005 a colleague formed a company, Aerogenesis Australia to commercialise the wind turbine technology developed by the group. This company has received $1.245m to commercialise the groups small wind turbine technology.
The computational biomechanics research group has received significant publicity in the popular scientific literature and film including:
- A segment on Catalyst ABC science program covering the jaw testing and palaeontology of the Marsupial Lion, Thylacoleo (Series 6 Episode 38 2005).
- Dingo had measure of Tassie tiger article published in BBC News (online) reporting the finding of our paper which predicted the Tasmanian tiger to have more powerful bite but the dingo was better equipped to deal with struggling prey (September 2007).
- Sabre-toothed cats were weak in the jaw article in Nature news reporting the findings of our paper into the popular science press (October 2007).
- 'Crash-tested' skulls throw light on extinctions article in New Scientist about the groups finite element work on great white shark jaw (April 2008).
- The work on the great white shark, documented in Wroe et al. (2008), has made the top 100 stories of 2008 in DISCOVER Science technology and the Future magazine.
Qualifications
- PhD, University of Newcastle, 22/04/1988
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), University of Newcastle, 30/04/1983
Research
Research keywords
- computational biomechanics
- finite element modelling
- mechanical engineering design
- small wind turbine systems
Research expertise
Small wind turbine dynamics and fatigue testing and issures related to small wind turbine blades
Computational biomechanics. Creating, solving and interpreting the results of detailed finite element models of biological structures.
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|
| 091305 | Energy Generation, Conversion And Storage Engineering | 50 |
| 111699 | Medical Physiology Not Elsewhere Classified | 25 |
| 060899 | Zoology Not Elsewhere Classified | 25 |
Awards
Recognition.
| 2008 | Postgraduate supervisor of the year award
Newcastle University postgraduate student association (Australia)
Contribution to postgraduate education |
|---|
Invitations
TUNRA Consultant
TUNRA, Australia (Consulting)
| 2006 |
Collaboration
My research consists of work in two areas: small wind turbine dynamics, and computational biomechanics. The former is about undertaking research to bring the level of performance of small wind turbines up to that of their larger counterparts, and for the latter using traditional engineering computational tools to understand the forces that drive the evolution of skeletal morphology.
My interest in small wind turbine research has steadily evolved from a focus on the fundamental issues of small wind turbine dynamics to a more specialised focus on lifespan issues of small wind turbine blades. My early research interests lay in understanding the dynamic forces acting on small wind turbine blades operating in a wide range of flow regimes. The results of this work have been used to determine the design of the composite structure of wind turbine blades; that is the amount, type and lay of the fibreglass matting within the blades load-carrying external shell. It has led to the development of an accelerated blade fatigue test program which is used to quantify the lifespan of the structure of small wind turbine blades. A practical outcome of this research is the design of a high efficiency light-weight blade for small wind turbines. This technology will help reduce the cost and improve the performance of small wind turbines leading to cheaper renewable energy technology.
My research work in computational biomechanics began in 2005 with a multi-disciplinary group formed in 2006 consisting of an engineer (me), a biologist and two palaeontologists. As the only engineer and a foundation member in the group as well as the finite element expert, I drive the computational analysis work providing modelling solutions to biological mechanisms and the interpretation of the computational results. We can now create high resolution, detailed heterogeneous finite element models of biological structure within 2 hours. The group has to date undertaken a reverse engineering analysis of the iconic fossil sabre-toothed cat (Smilodon fatalis), an analysis of the biomechanical factors underlying the out-competing of the Tasmanian Tiger on mainland Australia by the dingo, modelling of bite force in Great White Sharks, an investigation of skull mechanics in Komodo dragons, and a re-evaluation of jaw mechanics in mammals.
Administrative
Administrative expertise
Assistant Dean (International) for the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment
Head of mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
Deputy Head of School of Engineering
Teaching
Teaching keywords
- computer aided engineering
- finite element analysis
- mechanical engineering design
Teaching expertise
Finite element analysis
Mechanical Engineering design
Computer Aided Eningeering
EditPublications
No publications.
EditGrants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 25 |
|---|
| Total funding | $453,806 |
|---|
For project grants received where the lead institution is other than the University of Newcastle, details are shown in italics.
- Indicates that the researcher may be seeking students for this project.
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
2011 (1 grants)
Improved Design and Operational Efficiency of Small Wind Turbines in Unsteady Flows$130,000
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
2010 (1 grants)
A Morphological Study of the King Fisher Skull$1,000
Funding Body: The Australian Geographic Society Australia
| Project Team |
|---|
| Doctor Colin McHenry, Ms Michelle Quayle, Associate Professor Phil Clausen |
| Scheme | Role |
|---|
| Research Grant | Investigator |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
|---|
| $1,000 | 2010 | 2011 |
| GNo:G1000914 |
2007 (3 grants)
Structural and Hydrodynamic Analysis of Crocodilian Skulls during Feeding$10,378
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
Shredder wear parts: open and capped rotors - literature search and modelling$7,700
Funding Body: Smorgon
Structural and Hydrodynamic Analysis of Crocodilian Skulls during Feeding$4,622
Funding Body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment
2005 (2 grants)
Systems modelling for small wind turbines and renewable energy installations$27,000
Funding Body: CSIRO - Energy Technology
| Project Team |
|---|
| Mr Matthew Clifton-Smith, Conjoint Associate Professor David Wood, Associate Professor Phil Clausen |
| Scheme | Role |
|---|
| Postgraduate Research Scholarship | Investigator |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
|---|
| $27,000 | 2005 | 2008 |
| GNo:G0185777 |
Structural modelling of mammalian animal skulls$6,208
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
2004 (1 grants)
Improving the structural performance of a small wind turbine blade.$8,013
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
2003 (1 grants)
Dynamic and performance of small wind turbine.$8,284
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team |
|---|
| Associate Professor Phil Clausen, Conjoint Associate Professor David Wood |
| Scheme | Role |
|---|
| Project Grant | Chief Investigator |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
|---|
| $8,284 | 2003 | 2003 |
| GNo:G0182401 |
2002 (1 grants)
The effect of rotation on the fatigue of wind turbine blades$7,771
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
2001 (2 grants)
An Erosion Model for Fibre Reinforced Plastics$11,000
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team |
|---|
| Associate Professor Phil Clausen, Conjoint Associate Professor David Wood |
| Scheme | Role |
|---|
| Project Grant | Chief Investigator |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
|---|
| $11,000 | 2001 | 2001 |
| GNo:G0179969 |
Dynamic Fluid-Structure Interaction.$5,000
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
1998 (4 grants)
Fatigue test procedure for small wind turbine blades$70,500
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
| Project Team |
|---|
| Associate Professor Phil Clausen, Conjoint Associate Professor David Wood |
| Scheme | Role |
|---|
| Strategic Partnerships with Industry - Research & Training Scheme (SPIRT) | Chief Investigator |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
|---|
| $70,500 | 1998 | 2000 |
| GNo:G0177134 |
Fatigue test procedure for small wind turbine blades.-INDUSTRY PARTNER CONTRIBUTION OF 98 SPIRT GRANT.$15,000
Funding Body: Biomass Energy Services and Technology Pty Ltd
| Project Team |
|---|
| Associate Professor Phil Clausen, Conjoint Associate Professor David Wood |
| Scheme | Role |
|---|
| Research Grant | Chief Investigator |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
|---|
| $15,000 | 1998 | 2000 |
| GNo:G0177752 |
Fatigue Test Procedure for Small Wind Turbine Blades.$14,000
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
| Project Team |
|---|
| Associate Professor Phil Clausen, Conjoint Associate Professor David Wood |
| Scheme | Role |
|---|
| Small Grant | Chief Investigator |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
|---|
| $14,000 | 1998 | 1998 |
| GNo:G0177377 |
World Renewable Energy Congress V, Italy 20-25 September 1998$2,500
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
1997 (1 grants)
Solar 1997, Canberra, 1-3 December 1997$508
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
1996 (1 grants)
Measuring the aeroelastic response of small wind turbine blades.$9,043
Funding Body: Department of Industry, Science & Resources
| Project Team |
|---|
| Associate Professor Phil Clausen |
| Scheme | Role |
|---|
| Bilateral S&T Program (Defunct) | Chief Investigator |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
|---|
| $9,043 | 1996 | 1996 |
| GNo:G0175973 |
1995 (2 grants)
Turbulent Helical Vortices$10,000
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
| Project Team |
|---|
| Conjoint Associate Professor David Wood, Associate Professor Phil Clausen |
| Scheme | Role |
|---|
| Small Grant | Investigator |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
|---|
| $10,000 | 1995 | 1995 |
| GNo:G0174977 |
Solar '95 Annual - Hobart, Tasmania - 29/11/95 - 1/12/95$614
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
1994 (1 grants)
Finite element analysis of fastened connections$6,300
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
1993 (2 grants)
Measurements in Three Dimensional Turbulent Flows.$30,000
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
| Project Team |
|---|
| Conjoint Associate Professor David Wood, Associate Professor Phil Clausen |
| Scheme | Role |
|---|
| Large Grant | Investigator |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
|---|
| $30,000 | 1993 | 1993 |
| GNo:G0173115 |
'Solar '93', Fremantle, West. Aust., 1 - 4 Dec 1993$565
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
1992 (2 grants)
92.93.94 COLLAB.Wind Turbine Design For Remote Area Power Systems.$60,300
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
| Project Team |
|---|
| Conjoint Associate Professor David Wood, Associate Professor Phil Clausen |
| Scheme | Role |
|---|
| Strategic Partnerships with Industry - Research & Training Scheme (SPIRT) | Investigator |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
|---|
| $60,300 | 1992 | 1994 |
| GNo:G0174278 |
Measurements Of Dynamic Forces On Wind Turbine Blades$7,500
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
EditResearch Supervision
| Number of current supervisions | 5 |
|---|
| Total current UoN Masters EFTSL | 1.9 |
|---|
| Total current UoN PhD EFTSL | 1.25 |
|---|
For supervisions undertaken at an institution other that the University of Newcastle, details are shown in italics, and the institution name is listed below the program name.
Current Supervision
| Commenced | Proposed
Completion | Program | Supervisor Type | Research Title |
|---|
| 2013 | 2015 | M Philosophy (Mechanical Eng) | Principal Supervisor | Accelerated Fatigue Routines for Small Wind Turbine Blades |
| 2013 | 2015 | M Philosophy (Mechanical Eng) | Principal Supervisor | Computational Dynamic Modelling of Small Wind Turbines Operating in Unsteady Flows |
| 2013 | 2015 | M Philosophy (Mechanical Eng) | Co-Supervisor | Model Based Observer and Control Design for Small Wind Turbines Operating in Unsteady Flow |
| 2013 | 2015 | PhD (Mechanical Engineering) | Principal Supervisor | Investigating the Aerodynamic and Mechanical Interaction Between the Blades and Tower of Small Wind Turbine |
| 2010 | 2018 | PhD (Mechanical Engineering) | Principal Supervisor | A Skeletal Review of Australovenator Wintonensis With Descriptions of Newly Discovered Material Utilising Computed Tomography, Mimics and Finite Element Analysis |
Past Supervision
| Year | Program | Supervisor Type | Research Title |
|---|
| 2011 | M Philosophy (Mechanical Eng) | Co-Supervisor | Modelling the Unsteady Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines |
| 2009 | PhD (Geology) | Principal Supervisor | 'Devourer of Gods': The Palaeoecology of the Cretaceous Pliosaur Kronosaurus Queenslandicus |
| 2009 | PhD (Mechanical Engineering) | Co-Supervisor | Multi-Purpose Design of Small Wind Turbine Systems |
| 2007 | M Eng (Mechanical) [R] | Principal Supervisor | Aspects of the Dynamic Loads Acting on the Blade of a Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine in YaWed Flow |
| 2007 | M Eng (Mechanical) [R] | Principal Supervisor | The Development Of A Comprehensive Fatigue Test Rig and The Use Of Timber For Small Wind Turbine Blades |
| 2006 | M Eng (Mechanical) [R] | Principal Supervisor | A New Technique to Generate Detailed Finite Element Models from CT Scan Data and a Comparative Study Between Biting Activity for Panthera Leo and Smilodon Fatalis |
| 2006 | PhD (Mechanical Engineering) | Co-Supervisor | Aspects of the Aerodynamics and Operation of a Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine |
| 2003 | PhD (Mechanical Engineering) | Sole Supervisor | The Development and Testing of a New Fatigue Life Procedure for Small Composite Wind Turbine Blades Incorporating New Empirical Fatigue Life Prediction and Damage Accumulation Models for Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastics |
|
| PhD (Mechanical Engineering) | Co-Supervisor | Multiobjective Evolutionary Optimisation of Small Wind Turbine Blades |
