Dr Jefferson Gomes

Biography

• Senior Lecturer in Engineering, University of Aberdeen (2023-today);
• Lecturer in Engineering, University of Aberdeen (2012-2023);
• Visiting Academic, Instituto Federal Fluminense (Brazil, 2020-today);
• Visiting Academic, Imperial College London (2013-today); 
• Visiting Academic, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil, 2005-today);
• Research Fellow, Imperial College London (2010-2012);
• Research Associate,  Imperial College London (2006-2010);
• PhD, Imperial College London (2004);
• MSc, State University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil, 1999);
• BSc in Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil, 1996).

Research Overview

My research centers on computational multi-fluid dynamics (CMFD) and multi-physics modeling, employing finite element methods (FEM) and self-adaptive numerical techniques. I specialize in computational optimization, predictive modeling (machine learning and model reduction), and their applications in geophysical models. My primary areas of interest include energy technologies, environmental hazards, and engineering challenges involving single- and multiphase flows.

Current Research

• Self-adaptive computational methods;
• Multiphase compositional porous media flow (reservoir simulation);
• Safety assessment for nuclear systems (severe accident modelling);
• Predictive methods (reduced-order models and data assimilation);
• AI technologies (machine-learning algorithms).

Past Research

• Development of a CV-FEM based multi-fluid dynamics model for porous media flows;
• Numerical investigation of risk assessment in GEN4 nuclear reactors;
• Development of coupled multiphase and radiation-transport models;
• Modelling heat and multiphase flows in circular fluidised beds;
• FEM-based methods for granular fluidisation models;

Knowledge Exchange

•  Current:
  • Innovate UK (2023-25)
• Past:
  • Design and Optimisation of Stirling Engines for Waste Heat (Interface UK, 2021-22);
  • Development of coupled multi-fluid and neutron-transport models for design of a reactor to produce  medical-isotope (B&W, 2010);
  • Design and Optimisation of Decanter (BP, 2009);
  • Risk Analysis and Assessment of MOX Nuclear Fuel Production (JAEA, 2005-06);
  • Risk Assessment in Underground Nuclear Waste Repositories during Postulated Accidents (NDA,2005-08); 
  • Design and Optimisation of Heat Exchangers in TDN Reactors (BNFL, 2002).

KTP and projects with industry have led to +30 technical reports.

Collaborations

• Applied Modelling and Computation Group (AMCG), Imperial College London;
• Petroleum Engineering & Rock Mechanics Group (PERM), Imperial College London;
• Professor Su Jian, Nuclear Engineering Department, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil);
• Professor Francisco B S Oliveira, Computational Modelling in Sciences and Technologies Research Group (PPGMC), State University of Santa Cruz (Brazil);
• Professors Jader Lugon and Antonio Silva Neto, Environmental Modelling & Technology Applied to Water Resources Research Group (AmbHidro), Fluminense Federal Institute (Brazil). 

Funding and Grants

• Gas-Jet Design and Optimisation for Underwater Laser Cutting (KTP, 2023-25), Principal Investigator;
• Molecular Basis of Advanced Nuclear Fuel Separations (MBase):  Criticality and Fission in the Solution State (EPSRC, 2010-13), Co-Investigator;
• Thermohydraulics for Innovative Nuclear Systems (THINS): Development of Novel Discretisation Methods for Multiphase Flows (EU-FP7, 2010-14), Co-Iinvestigator;
• Gas-Fast Reactors (GoFastR): Modelling and Simulation of Core-Melting in PWR (EU-FP7, 2010-13), Co-Investigator;
• Technology Proof of Concept: Computational Framework for Multi-Scale Environmental Modelling (NERC, 2010-12), Co-Investigator;
• Follow-on Fund: Realising the Commercial Potential of the Multi-Physics and Multi-Scale FETCH Technology for Nuclear Safety Applications (EPSRC, 2010-11), Co-Investigator; 
• Energy Grant: Numerical Investigation of Biomass Gasification (Brazilian CNPq, 2006-7), Co-Investigator.

Teaching Responsibilities

Postgraduate Courses

1. Computational Fluid Dynamics (EG501V/3G): 2015-today
2. Oil and Gas Chemistry (EG551LEG552L): 2019-2024;
3. Geothermal and Hydro Energies (EG503A/EG503B):2018-2020;
4. Renewable Energy: Geothermal and Solar  (EG501J): 2014-2018;
   
5. Energy Technologies (EG5066): 2013.

Undergraduate Courses

1. Chemical Thermodynamics (EX3029): 2014-today;
   
2. Computational Fluid Dynamics (EG501V): 2015-today;
3. Process Engineering (EG2011/EG20G2): 2020-today;
4. Conservation of Heat, Mass and Momentum (EX3030/EM40JN): 2016-2020;
5. Air and Water Pollution Control EG501U): 2018;
6. Engineering Thermodynamics (EG3521): 2013-2015;
7. Advances in Chemical Engineering (EG5597): 2014-2015.