School of

Engineering
Research Brochure
(2018-19)

https://www.rgu.ac.uk/study/academic-schools/school-of-engineering
School of Engineering
Academics, Researchers, Professional Engineers and Technologists have a
reputation for their ability to solve problems and to undertake
challenging and complex projects in all walks of life. At Robert Gordon
University (RGU) we combine a wide range of expertise in engineering
with purpose-built facilities and strong commercial links.
• Research at the RGU’s School of Engineering is aimed at providing
innovative and practical solutions to industrial problems, with
particularly strong industry focus on Advanced Materials &
Mechanics, Communications & Sensors, and Energy.
• The School of Engineering boasts modern, purpose-built
laboratories and facilities, equipped with the very latest engineering
technology, ensuring our academic and researchers always have
access to ‘the right tools for the job’.
• We work closely with local, national and international companies to
ensure that we continue to provide professional learning that meets
the demands of employers. The result is an impressive suite of
flexible degree programmes at all levels. School of Engineering Staff
boast a very wide range of expertise, reflected in the portfolio of
innovative and flexible research programmes offered by the School.
• Engineering at RGU means transforming today's technology for
tomorrow's world.
Staff, School of Engineering, Seminar Day, 21st August 2018
Sir Ian Wood Building, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen
INTRODUCTION
Head of the School

• Our academics and researchers work with partner

organisations and institutions to conduct fundamental,
pioneering and enquiry-driven research. We
endeavour for significant impact to make the
community a better place.
• As you will read in this brochure, our researchers hold
expertise in a remarkable range of themes and topics:
such as Advanced Materials & Mechanics,
Communications & Sensors, and Energy.
• From the small to the large scale, and from
fundamental theory through to commercialisation of
practical solutions, we offer amazing opportunities for
research and development for all researchers.
• The range of engineering expertise sitting within the
School of Engineering combines to offer uniquely Prof Iain Steel
broad ranging and adaptive solutions.
Head, School of Engineering
WELCOME
Strategic Lead – Engineering Research

• I am proud to act as Strategic Lead (Engineering

Research) to a growing school which brings together so
many internationally recognised researchers.
• Our core themes (Energy, Engineering Design &
Materials and Communications & Sensors) drive our
research portfolio, and our plan to add an additional
priority area of modern science and engineering will
draw together our world-leading research and offer
wider opportunities.
• If you are interested in collaboration with RGU’s School
of Engineering, coming here to study or would like Dr James Njuguna
more information about any of our research and Strategic Lead - Engineering Research
researchers, you’ll find contact details at the end of this
brochure.
 Research Students
Academic Staff 52
Research Themes 46
2

https://www3.rgu.ac.uk/about/schools-and-departments/school-of-engineering/staff/academic-staff
Research Themes &
Groups
1. Advanced Materials
2. Centre for Research in Energy and the
Environment (CREE)
3. Communications & Autonomous Systems
4. Condition Monitoring
5. Heat & Flow Modelling
6. Petroleum Engineering
7. Renewable Energy
8. The Centre for Process Integration and
Membrane Technology (CPIMT)
 Advanced Materials
Our research is focused on structural materials improvements to meet lightweight design and
functional requirements during the product life cycle. Extensive experience of the preparation
and performance of material tests enables the group to offer the best advice on testing
methods and suitable characterisation techniques.

Advanced A variety of tests for the static characterisation of metals, composites, and plastic materials
can be performed. They include, amongst other things, tensile testing, compression testing,
bending testing and shear testing. Structural integrity is concerned with determining the

Materials
performance, durability and safety of equipment that is subjected to a range of operating
conditions during use. The consequences of structural integrity failure can be tragic in terms
of loss of life and financially crippling due to loss of production and revenue. This work
involves a combination of strategies, including sensors embedded systems that monitor,
assess and evaluate structural integrity.
It therefore aims at addressing design problems, optimisation strategy and developing
Dr Urenna Adegbotolu customised solutions to allow clients (mainly in the transport and energy sectors) to
Prof Terry Corbishley confidently assess the integrity and performance of structures, plants, components and
equipment.
Dr James Njuguna (Lead)
Dr Arindam Mukherji https://rguengineering-research.net/am-about-us
Dr Ketan Pancholi
Kristof Starost
Advanced Materials
 The Centre for Research in Energy and the Environment (CREE)

Centre for
We are a multidisciplinary group with expertise in applied research in environmental monitoring, taggant
development, labels and sensors, advanced water and air treatment technology and environmental catalysis.
The research is primarily directed towards solving problems and technology transfer and involves

Research in
consultancy, industrial partners and national and international collaborations. Research interests have been
developed in terms of National and EU Government priorities, which address many environmental challenges
facing the world.

Energy and The multidisciplinary Centre including physicists, chemists, biologists, mechanical and electronic engineers
and environmental scientists and is split into two Groups: Environmental Sensing and Monitoring and Water
Sustainability. With 9 purpose built laboratories incorporating a diverse range of advanced optical/laser

the
equipment, excellent analytical facilities, materials processing and a range of advanced water treatment
reactors and sensors, our flexibility is second to none.
The Environmental & Sensing subgroup develops environmental sensors and tracers for detecting a range of

Environment compounds in air, water and soil and has been involved in the development of reference materials and
monitoring regimes. The water sustainability subgroup develops novel photocatalytic reactors and new
methods of waste water treatment.

(CREE) The research topics in the CREE research group cover a wide range of fields, including
Photochemistry, Environmental tracers and sensors, Clean technology, Photocatalysis, Photonics and
Spectroscopy, Biosensors and Instrumentation, Environmental sensing and monitoring
https://rguengineering-research.net/cree-about-us

Dr Morgan Adams
Dr Cathy McCullagh
Dr Clare O’Farrell
Dr Radhakrishna Prabhu (Lead)
Shaun Rodrigues
CREE
 Communications & Autonomous Systems
Our research investigates the modelling, analysis, design, control and simulation of
Communications multimedia data transmission and processing among systems connected through
communication channels, the Internet, mobile networks, satellite, ELF communication
& Autonomous channels and so on.
Our expertise spans a wide spectrum of topics including Intelligent Robotics, Network
Systems Robotics and Teleoperation, Computational Intelligence and Machine Learning, Virtual
Instrumentation, Embedded Systems, Video Coding and Compression, Perceptual Video
Quality Metrics, Visual Saliency, Real-time Multimedia Streaming, QoS and QoE, Congestion
Control of Wireless Communications Systems, Radio Wave Propagation and Wireless System
Design, Acoustic Communications and so on.
Possible applications of research is highly diversified such as Underwater Sensor Networks
Dr Samuel Burgess (UWSNs), ELF communications via pipelines, Robot Assisted Marine Seismic Imaging, Control
Dr Nazila Fough and Haptic Feedback in Drilling Systems, Telerobotic Live-line Maintenance, Telesurgery, Real-
time Nanomanipulation using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fuzzy Dynamic Systems,
Dr Wai-Keung Fung (Lead) Smart Grids, Self-driving Cars, Intelligent Highways and Fast Video Transcoding.
Dr Yafan Zhao https://rguengineering-research.net/cas-about-us
Communications &
Autonomous Systems
 Condition Monitoring
We are focused on developing and applying instrumentation to destructive or non-
destructive testing of materials and structures. The primary goal of the group is to
understand various mechanical processes, using methods drawn from materials, mechanics
and physics, to exploit the potential application of various non-destructive or destructive

Condition testing of materials and structure for current or future products. There is emphasis on the
development of new technologies, the study of basic mechanical processes, and the use of
this knowledge to tackle specific problems in various industrial applications, including the

Monitoring development of new measurement methods using various instrumentations. The laboratory
provides unrivalled opportunities for early career and established researchers.
The research topics in the Condition Monitoring cover a wide range of fields, including:
• Condition monitoring of engines, corrosion, vibration, thermal spraying, crack propagation
• Sensor based instrumented mechanical testing
• Micromechanics of materials, thermal spray coatings, thin films, bonded joints, etc.
• Neutron diffraction residual strain analysis (coatings, rocks)
Dr Ghazi Droubi • Fracture mechanics (mode-I, II, mixed-mode)
Dr Nadimul Faisal (Lead) • Analytical/numerical modelling
Dr Sha Jihan https://rguengineering-research.net/cm-about-us
Prof John Steel
Condition Monitoring
 Heat & Flow Modelling
Our expertise in multiphase flow modelling and testing lead to designing of pipeline systems
and valves. We study the deposition of sand and erosion caused by sand impact, which can

Heat & Flow

have major impacts on oil and gas flow assurance and safety. Pipeline fatigue failure due to
flow and vortex induced vibrations are also one of our major areas of focus. At the pore
scale, we study the multiphase flows through porous media for reservoir flows.

Modelling We investigate the effects of interfacial properties and rock leading to developing new
concept for enhanced oil recovery. Our multiphase flow expertise has been utilised in waste
and produced water treatment. In recent time, existing flow modelling research for Oil & Gas
is transformed into interest in hydrogen fuel cell modelling. Our work on fuel cell includes
study of water droplet dynamics in microchannels and droplet-droplet and droplet-surface
interaction.
The Heat & Flow Modelling Group has expertise in modelling flows from the molecular level
Dr Mamdud Hossain (Lead) using molecular dynamics technique to the continuum level using analytical, mechanistic and
Dr Sheikh Islam computational fluid dynamics techniques. The group is also equipped with multiphase flow
loop, wind tunnel, PIV system for experimental measurements.
Dr Aditya Karnik
Dr Naomi Turner https://rguengineering-research.net/hft-about-us
Heat & Flow
Modelling
 Petroleum Engineering
The oil and gas industry is currently extending the frontiers of current technologies as well as
adopting a vast array of new innovative technologies. Meeting these objectives demands a
quantum leap in integrated technical know-how in terms of fundamental principles and
development of new technologies. This is the key driver for the integrated research and

Petroleum development programmes in oil and gas reservoir and well technology being carried out by
the Petroleum Engineering Research Group. The Petroleum Engineering Research Group is
made up of a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists with expertise in oil and gas

Engineering engineering, well engineering, geomechanics, material engineering, CFD modelling,

Acoustics/NDT, instrumentation and control and fluids engineering.
The research topics in the Petroleum Engineering research group cover a wide range of fields,
including:
• Well Engineering
• Multiphase Flow Assurance
• Integrated Sand Management
Dr Mohamed Amish • Unconventional Reservoir Management
Dr Ibiye Iyalla • Well Integrity/Decommissioning/Abandonment Solutions
Dr Draco Iyi https://rguengineering-research.net/pe-about-us
Dr Gbenga Oluyemi (Lead)
Prof Babs Oyeneyin
Dr Reza Sanaee
Petroleum
Engineering
 Renewable Energy
Use of wind in electricity generation has seen a rapid rise in the last decade. Wind Turbines are installed in both onshore
and offshore locations to harness wind energy and power millions of homes in 80 countries worldwide. Today, worldwide
installed capacity of wind turbines is in excess of 432GW and this capacity is expected to keep growing with the advent of
new technologies, knowledge and the need for renewable based power systems. However, wind turbines face
unprecedented operational and maintenance challenges and require support. We at RGU are endeavouring to develop
innovative knowledge and technological solutions to meet these challenges with a view to control the high level cost of
electricity of wind turbines.

Renewable The number of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations has been increasing worldwide but the high capital cost of installation
continues to be the main challenge, particularly in many developing countries. The solar concentrator, a device that focuses
the sunlight onto a small area, has the potential to minimise the use of expensive PV material while maintaining the
system’s performance, and ultimately bringing down its overall cost. Here in RGU, we strived to create a sustainable future

Energy through continuous studies centered on solar concentrator technology, i.e. concentrator designs, heat transfer, electrical
analysis, optical analysis, life cycle analysis, etc. We also work together with various institutions and companies to deliver
viable solutions that will catapult this technology to the world.
The research topics in the Renewable Energy group cover a wide range of fields, including:
• New generation of solar concentrators
• District heating
• Hybrid solar-biofuel
• Solar tracker
Ahmad Ayub • Self-cleaning PV panels
• Building Integrated Photovoltaic BIPV
Dr Yashwant Sinha (Lead) https://rguengineering-research.net/re-about-us
Dr Nazmi Sellami
Dr Firdaus Muhammad-Sukki
Renewable Energy
 The Centre for Process Integration and Membrane Technology
The Centre of The Centre of Excellence in Process Integration & Membrane Technology (CPIMT) is led by Professor Gobina
who has 30 years’ experience in teaching and research. The research-intensive CPIMT undertakes contract

Excellence in
research, consultancy, industrial work and funded research. In particular, the CPIMT conducts world class
cutting-edge research on hydrogen purification, natural gas upgrading, gas-to-liquids (GTL) conversion and
carbon capture using its state-of-the-art pilot plant facilities.

Process The Centres’ laboratories have access to one of the highest quality analytical facilities in North Scotland and
features equipment such as BET Surface area, X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared
Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscope/ Electron Probe Microanalysis (SEM/EDXA), Nuclear

Integration &
Electron Probe Microanalysis (NEPMA), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), and High
Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Researchers at the Centre study formulated/designer contactor
development and testing, impregnation strategies and membrane development, process flow configurations,

Membrane
multilayer and integrated process studies, and simulation and modelling.
Research work carried out at the Robert Gordon University since 1998 on the development and integration
of thermo-mechanically stable membranes in energy and chemical processes have culminated in the

Technology formation of three spin-out companies, £20 million in combined research income and international
commercial investments and over 300 scientific publications including 25 granted patents, over 200 high-
quality scientific journals, 60 world class conference presentations and 30 books/book chapters. In addition,

(CPIMT)
14 PhDs have been awarded, 8 postdoctoral fellows mentored and over 20 fulltime employments created
with the expansion of research opportunities for younger researchers.

Prof Edward Gobina (Lead)

The Centre for Process Integration
and Membrane Technology
 General Facilities
• Automation & control systems • Microcontroller lab
• Composite lab • Microscopy
• Corrosion lab • Non-destructive testing
• Electrical/electronics lab • Turbo machines
• SOFC fuel cell testing • Thermodynamics
• Heat transfer & engines • Vibration testing
• Instrumented measurements • Welding
• Laser equipment & optical systems • Wind tunnel
• Materials analysis (analytical) • Workshop facilities
• Mechanical testing • Oil & Gas test facilities
• Metallurgical preparation • Others (wave tank, DART,
water tank, etc)
• Metrology
• Microwave
• ANSYS
• C/C++
• COMSOL
• Fluent CFX
• LabVIEW
• LAMMPS
• Linux
• Machine Learning
• MATLAB
• MATHCAD
• MINITAB
• Microsoft Visual Studio
• Multisim
• MS Project
•
•
OLGA
SOLID WORKS
Computational
• SPSS
• STAR-CCM+
 Indicative Areas
• Advanced Material Engineering
• Asset Integrity
We welcome proposal submissions from • CFD Modelling
students to undertake research • Chemical Engineering

Postgraduate
• Clean Technology
(MRes | MPhil | PhD | EngD) in number of • Coatings
• Communications Theory
Research indicative areas, although other areas will
be considered.
• Condition Monitoring
• Corrosion
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronic Systems
Admission Enquiries • Electronics And Communications
• Environmental Engineering
• Failure Prediction
Dr Nadimul Faisal
• Flow Assurance
Research Degree Coordinator (Admission & Marketing) • Heat Transfer
Email: n.h.faisal@rgu.ac.uk • Lasers & Applications
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 26 2438 • Material Engineering
• Mathematical and Numerical Model Development
Dr Gbenga Oluyemi • Mechanical Engineering
Research Degree Coordinator • Micromechanics
• Multiphase Flow
Email: g.f.oluyemi@rgu.ac.uk
• Oil and Gas Engineering
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 26 2421 • Oilfield Chemistry
• Optical Fibres
Dr Firdaus Muhammad-Sukki • Optical Security
Research Degree Coordinator • Petroleum Engineering
Email: f.b.muhammad-sukki@rgu.ac.uk • Petroleum Geomechanics
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 26 2447 • Photocatalysis
• Power Electronics
• Renewable Energy
Ms Angela Walker • Robotics
Research Degree Administrator, Graduate School • Sensors & Instrumentation
Email: ResearchDegrees@rgu.ac.uk • Soft Matter
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 262240 • Structural Integrity
• Subsea Engineering
• Telecommunication And Internet Network
• Thermal Engineering
• Video and Imaging Processing
• Video Communication
Apply for a Research Degree: https://www.rgu.ac.uk/research/graduate-school/apply-for-a-research-degree
• Wellbore Stimulation
 Material Testing Services
The School of Engineering has an impressive range of equipment, fully
supported by technical expertise and specialist knowledge, helping
companies to resolve challenges, bring new products to market and
achieve their corporate objectives.

Email: MaterialsTesting@rgu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 262304

https://www3.rgu.ac.uk/about/schools-and-departments/school-of-
engineering/materials-testing-service/materials-testing-service
Commercial Operations Support (COS)
RGU’s COS provide support to School of Engineering in developing proposals
for external funding, support for the delivery of corporate training and
development, promotion of opportunities for collaboration in support to
Business Development Services, facilitation of knowledge exchange and
technology transfer including licensing & development of new companies,
management and external reporting on activities within scope.

Email: business@rgu.ac.uk
Tel: + 44 (0) 1224 263320

https://www3.rgu.ac.uk/about/schools-and-departments/administration-
and-support/commercial-operations-support
RGU Oil and Gas
Institute
The institute partners with industry to address the
challenges of today through:
• Consultancy
• Contract research
• Training

Email: ogi@rgu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 263526

http://www.rguoilandgasinstitute.com/
 DART Simulator
The DART (Dynamic Advanced Response
Training) simulation suite provides realistic,
real-time training within a virtual drilling
environment.
• DART represents a joint-venture between KCA Deutag Ltd and
RGU.
• The learning space employs 3D graphics to represent a rig floor
and the wide range of equipment and drilling processes
currently used by the oil and gas industry.
• The learning environment consists of a 60-inch screen and a
control cabin, fitted with two drillers’ chairs, offering you a
realistic drilling experience.
• The DART facilities give you a chance to put your learning into
practice and allow you to prepare for your professional career.

https://www.rgu.ac.uk/study/choose-rgu/facilities/engineering-facilities/dart-simulator
INDUSTRIAL LINKS
Aker Solutions
AquaMoor Ltd
AquaSol
Augments
We are proud to collaborate with Centre of Excellence for Sensor & Imaging Systems (CENSIS)
CorrosionRADAR Ltd
DOF
companies based in the UK Energy Technology Partnership
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
and internationally. European Commission
John White & Sons
Oil & Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC)
OpusPlus
Recent and current collaborators include Resolute Energy
Sand Management Network
Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Scottish Institute for Solar Energy Research
Scottish Institute of Remanufacturing (SIR)
SMS Oilfield Ltd
SPEX
Stork Technical Services Ltd
Subsea 7
SureClean
Technip
The Stab-in-Pipe Ltd
Xi Engineering Consultants Ltd
CONTACT US School of Engineering
Robert Gordon University
The Sir Ian Wood Building
Garthdee Road
General Enquiries Aberdeen, AB10 7GJ
Scotland, UK
Petrena Morrison
https://www.rgu.ac.uk/study/visit-us/getting-here
Secretary, School of Engineering
@RGUEngineering
Email: p.morrison@rgu.ac.uk
https://issuu.com/rguengineeringresearch
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 26 2400