About

Introduction

2007 University of Newcastle Senior Research Associate

Previous Positions

• 2004-2006 Research Associate – University of Newcastle
• 1996-2004 Operations Officer– Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and RAAF Active Reserves.

Qualifications

• 1994 Dip. Av. Sci., University of Newcastle
• 2000 B.E. (with Hons - 1st class), Mechanical Engineering, University of Newcastle
• 2001 Cert IV – Workplace Assessment and Training, RAAF Base Williamtown
• 2007 submitted PhD thesis titled "Dense Phase Conveying of Powders: Design Aspects and Phenomena"

Research

Research Interests

Ken has submitted his PhD Thesis on research into the behaviour and prediction of pneumatic conveying performance of fine powders. The initial premise of this research was to develop a predictive overall pipeline pressure drop model for pressurised conveying systems of fine powders. Currently, Ken is conducting research for two ARC discovery funded project - “Modelling the Transient Effects in Dense Phase Gas Solid Flow in Pipelines” and "Modelling Bypass Pneumatic Conveying Systems" in order to investigate the fundamentals of transient low velocity gas-solid flow, focusing on the dynamics of particulate aeration, de-aeration, permeability and the frictional interactions with the pipe wall. He also has a significant interest into the research of wear of pneumatic conveying pipelines, focussing on the wear mechanisms and the mode of material removal in low velocity gas-solid flow.