Staff Profile
Career Summary
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, 31/10/2003
- Bachelor of Science (Physics), University of Seville - Spain, 29/02/1996
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.
Languages
- Spanish
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 090406 | Powder And Particle Technology | 55 |
| 030603 | Colloid And Surface Chemistry | 45 |
Memberships
Body relevant to professional practice.
- Member - Australasian Particle Technology Society
- Member - Institution of Chemical Engineering. IChemE
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.
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
Grants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 11 |
|---|---|
| Total funding | $1,820,180 |
For project grants received where the lead institution is other than the University of Newcastle, details are shown in italics.
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
2013 (3 grants)
Fine Particle Beneficiation through Agglomeration with a Novel Binder$217,954
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Kevin Galvin, Doctor Roberto Moreno-Atanasio, Mr Steve Lempereur | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Linkage Projects | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $217,954 | 2013 | 2016 |
| GNo:G1201113 | ||
A Generalized Model of the Reflux Classifier using computer simulations based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM)$103,700
Funding Body: Australian Coal Research Limited
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Kevin Galvin, Doctor Roberto Moreno-Atanasio | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $103,700 | 2013 | 2014 |
| GNo:G1201234 | ||
Chemeca 2013, Brisbane, 29 September - 2 October 2013$1,200
Funding Body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Roberto Moreno-Atanasio | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Travel Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $1,200 | 2013 | 2013 |
| GNo:G1301033 | ||
2012 (5 grants)
A facility for non-destructive quantification of coal structures, composition and percolation fluid flows in energy and environmental applications$885,000
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
| Scheme | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Linkage Infrastructure Equipment & Facilities (LIEF) Partner funding | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $885,000 | 2012 | 2015 |
| GNo:178789029 | ||
3D Gamma Ray Tomography for Multiphase Flow Characterization$521,000
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
| Scheme | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Linkage Infrastructure Equipment & Facilities (LIEF) Partner funding | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $521,000 | 2012 | 2017 |
| GNo:178936852 | ||
A facility for non-destructive quantification of coal structures, composition and percolation fluid flows in energy and environmental applications$35,000
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Anh Nguyen, Professor Victor Rudolph, Professor Suresh Bhatia, Professor John Zhu, Dr Simon Smart, Professor Dongke Zhang, Professor Hui Tong Chua, Doctor Roberto Moreno-Atanasio, Professor Geoffrey Evans, Professor Kevin Galvin, Laureate Professor Graeme Jameson, Professor Behdad Moghtaderi, Associate Professor Qin Li, Dr Shaobin Wang, Dr Chi Phan, Associate Professor Shaomin Liu | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Equipment Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $35,000 | 2012 | 2012 |
| GNo:G1100623 | ||
3D Gamma Ray Tomography for Multiphase Flow Characterisation$20,000
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dr Vishnu Pareek, Professor Geoffrey Evans, Doctor Elham Doroodchi, Doctor Roberto Moreno-Atanasio, Laureate Professor Graeme Jameson | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Equipment Grant | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $20,000 | 2012 | 2012 |
| GNo:G1100626 | ||
Chemeca 2012, Wellington NZ, 23-26 September 2012$1,200
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Roberto Moreno-Atanasio | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Travel Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $1,200 | 2012 | 2013 |
| GNo:G1200990 | ||
2011 (1 grants)
Chemeca 2011, Hilton Sydney, 18 - 21 September 2011$1,200
Funding Body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Roberto Moreno-Atanasio | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Travel Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $1,200 | 2011 | 2012 |
| GNo:G1100740 | ||
2010 (1 grants)
A new combined Atomic Force Microscopy and computer-simulation approach for improved modelling of particulate solids behaviour
$28,926
Funding Body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Roberto Moreno-Atanasio, Doctor Grant Webber | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Pilot Grant | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $28,926 | 2010 | 2010 |
| GNo:G0900065 | ||
2009 (1 grants)
New Staff Grant 2009$5,000
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Roberto Moreno-Atanasio | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| New Staff Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $5,000 | 2009 | 2009 |
| GNo:G0190548 | ||
Research Supervision
| Number of current supervisions | 3 |
|---|---|
| Total current UoN Masters EFTSL | 0.8 |
| Total current UoN PhD EFTSL | 1 |
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 | 2017 | PhD (Chemical Engineering) | Principal Supervisor | Fabrication and Modelling of Core-Shell Composite Particles |
| 2012 | 2014 | M Philosophy (Chemical Eng) | Principal Supervisor | Simulation of Particle-Bubble Interactions Using Discrete Element Method |
| 2012 | 2015 | PhD (Chemical Engineering) | Principal Supervisor | Enhanced Recovery of Fine Coal Particles Through a Modified Oil Agglomeration Process |
Dr Roberto Moreno-Atanasio
| Work Phone | (02) 403 39064 |
|---|---|
| Fax | (02) 403 39095 |
| Roberto.Moreno-Atanasio@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Position | Lecturer Centre for Advanced Particle Processing and Transport School of Engineering Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment |
| Focus Area | Chemical Engineering |
| Office | A305, Nier - A Block, Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources, Callaghan University Drive Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia |
| URL: | www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/roberto-moreno-atanasio |
