About
I am Dr. Nurul Hasan, a globally recognized expert in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with over 25 years of extensive academic and industrial experience. I hold a PhD in Engineering from UNSW, Australia, and I am proud to be a Fellow of prestigious engineering societies, including ASME, Engineers Australia, and IChemE UK. My expertise spans a wide range of CFD applications, and I have worked with major commercial software packages.
As the CEO of Don Computing Pty Ltd, I lead a dedicated team focused on advancing engineering simulation and automation. Under my leadership, we have successfully delivered innovative solutions across various sectors, including water, environment, oil, and gas. My strategic vision and commitment to excellence have positioned Don Computing as a key player in the CFD industry.
My contributions to the field are further evidenced by my involvement in significant projects, such as the renowned Guinness Bubble CFD Simulation, which gained international recognition. I have collaborated with leading research organizations and universities worldwide, enhancing the global impact of my work.
With a strong focus on ethics, diversity, and inclusion, I actively promote best practices in engineering and mentoring, ensuring that the next generation of engineers is well-equipped to tackle future challenges. My dedication to advancing CFD technology and fostering innovation solidifies my status as a world expert in the field.
Experience
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Associate Professor
University Technology Petronas · Full-time
Jan 2009 –
Dec 2012
3 yrs 11 mos
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
At University Technology Petronas (UTP) as an Associate Professor, I focused on advancing CFD and CAD applications through projects that combined fluid dynamics, process engineering, and automation to optimize industrial processes across the energy, oil, and gas sectors.
CFD-Driven Process Design and Optimization: I developed and refined process models to enhance system designs, particularly in multiphase flow, fuel blending, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications. CFD allowed me to simulate complex flow dynamics, making it possible to optimize these processes for higher efficiency and effectiveness in energy production.
Fuel Emulsion and Nozzle Design: My work on the "Water in Diesel Emulsion" (WIDE) project focused on CFD modeling of diesel-water emulsions, aiming to improve energy efficiency. I also designed specialized nozzles to enhance spray and combustion characteristics, which directly impacted the performance and sustainability of fuel systems.
Nanoparticle Collection and Recovery: Collaborating with the chemical engineering department, I applied CFD to optimize the recovery of nanoparticles from diamond suspensions. This project allowed me to explore fluid-particle interactions deeply, improving particle recovery rates and refining separation processes for advanced materials applications.
Automation and Shape Optimization: By integrating CFD and CAD, I led efforts to automate simulation workflows, focusing on shape optimization for components such as hydrocyclones. This automation improved separation efficiency, a crucial factor in oil and gas processing, and allowed for faster, more precise design iterations.
Reservoir Simulation and EOR: I conducted extensive CFD simulations to model fluid interactions within reservoirs, particularly for methods like chemical flooding. These simulations were integral to optimizing reservoir performance, ultimately boosting oil recovery rates.
Each of these activities embodied my commitment to simulation-driven process improvement and design automation, aligning with UTP’s focus on practical, industry-relevant engineering solutions. Through these projects, I was able to contribute to both academic research and real-world engineering advancements in energy production and process optimization.
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Research Academic
The University of Newcastle · Full-time
Feb 2006 –
Dec 2008
2 yrs 10 mos
NSW, Australia
At the University of New South Wales (UNSW), my PhD in Chemical Engineering specialized in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies, focusing on fluid-particle interactions in free surface flows. This research involved simulating complex, turbulent, three-phase interactions, specifically analyzing the behavior of impinging and submerged jets in proximity to a free surface near a rotating drum. The work extended beyond theory, as I coordinated closely with an experimental investigation conducted at the University of Newcastle, providing a unique bridge between computational modeling and empirical validation.
During my postdoctoral role at the University of Newcastle, I applied and expanded upon this expertise to collaborate on computational models for mineral recovery. I worked with university researchers and industry professionals to digitize and optimize processes, developing tailored CFD models that accounted for critical factors in mineral extraction, separation, and processing.
Key areas included:
CFD and Digitization: Leveraging CFD, I simulated dynamic fluid behaviors, entrainment of buoyant particles, and air bubble breakage near free surfaces, critical for optimizing resource extraction processes.
Code Development: I developed customized code modules to enhance model accuracy, address phase interactions, and simulate turbulent flows efficiently, meeting the high accuracy demands of both academic and industrial applications.
This research laid the groundwork for advanced, digitally driven mineral recovery techniques, setting a foundation for improved process efficiencies and performance insights, and underscoring the potential of CFD and digitization in real-world engineering challenges.
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CSIRO Postdoc
CSIRO · Full-time
Jan 2004 –
Jan 2006
2 yrs
VIC, Australia
During my postdoctoral tenure at CSIRO, I focused extensively on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to advance the carbothermic reduction process for magnesium production. My work centered on the heat transfer dynamics within supersonic nozzles, where I developed detailed simulations to predict temperature distributions and wall heat transfer coefficients, ensuring effective temperature control across the system.
Using ANSYS CFX, I tackled two main challenges:
Nozzle Wall Heat Transfer: I validated CFD models by comparing them with established heat transfer cases, refining both turbulence models and mesh resolution to accurately capture the gas flow's effects on the nozzle wall. This modeling was essential to maintain surface temperatures, preventing unwanted magnesium reversion and ensuring material stability.
Impinging Jet Heat Transfer: I also analyzed the heat transfer from supersonic jets impacting a collector plate, focusing on high-precision prediction of Nusselt numbers and heat flux. This was critical for controlling temperature and scaling the process effectively in downstream gas flow applications.
These contributions were crucial in refining the carbothermic process, optimizing gas flow, and managing temperature across complex geometries, which ultimately supported scalable magnesium production.
Education
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UNSW
PhD, Chemical Engineering, Completed
1999 – 2003
Activities and Societies:
Experimental Rig Development for Bubble Dynamics and Thin Liquid Film, LDV, PIV data analysis, CFD of Multiphase
At the University of New South Wales (UNSW), I earned my PhD in Chemical Engineering, where my focus was on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies of fluid-particle interactions near free surface flows. My research centered on modeling complex, turbulent, three-phase flows generated by impinging and submerged jets near a free surface, especially adjacent to a rotating drum. This work combined CFD simulation with experimental data collected at the University of Newcastle, allowing a robust, multi-method approach to understanding transient behaviors in these dynamic systems.
My research entailed modeling the free surface dynamics, with particular emphasis on the entrainment and interactions of buoyant particles and air bubbles, along with the mechanics of bubble breakage. Through CFD, I simulated intricate details, including turbulent parameter variations and the forces exchanged between fluid and particles. I developed and optimized custom code to track the transient free surface, resolve intricate interactions among phases, and maintain computational accuracy amidst high turbulence. This experience laid a strong foundation in CFD, code development, and digital simulation techniques, equipping me with tools I continue to leverage in solving industrial and academic engineering challenges.
Outside my research, I also engaged in the UNSW community through activities like tennis and soccer, which enriched my time at the university.
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Chemical Engineering
PhD, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Excellence
1999 – 2003
Activities and Societies:
CFD FEA
Free Surface Flow Modeling
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Environmental Engineering Science
MSc, CFD, Completed 2 Sem
1998 – 1999
Activities and Societies:
CFD, Digitization, Code Development
During my time at the University of Melbourne, I pursued an MSc in Engineering Science, where I collaborated closely with esteemed professors Malcolm R. Davidson and Y. Leong Yeow on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) projects. This phase of my academic journey was characterized by rigorous training in digital modeling and advanced simulation techniques, particularly focused on the behavior of complex fluids such as Bingham materials, which exhibit unique yield stress properties relevant in various industrial processes.
I engaged in cutting-edge CFD research, utilizing finite volume methods to investigate material deformation and fluid flow under gravitational forces. This research, exemplified by our work on simulating the collapse of Bingham fluid cylinders, provided insights into yield stress measurement techniques using the slump test, a crucial assessment for materials in fields like civil and chemical engineering(J-NH)(610-Article Text-2084-1…).
My work also involved extensive code development, where I applied volume-tracking methodologies for simulating fluid behavior. Through this experience, I gained proficiency in numerical stability and accuracy techniques, including flux limiters, which allowed us to minimize interface smearing and enhance simulation precision. This foundation set the stage for my ongoing work in CFD and digital engineering, where I continuously innovate in simulation techniques to advance industry and academia.
Other experience
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CFD/CAD Challenging Project
Ship Hull Dynamics for Storm Resilience (2016): FSI-integrated CFD design for ship hulls that endure harsh ocean conditions.
CFD Modeling of Fuel Emulsions (2010): Simulated diesel-water emulsions, optimizing blending for energy efficiency in fuel.
Dynamics in a High-Pressure Homogenizer (2019): Modeled fluid dynamics in fuel mixing, a technically demanding multiphase simulation.
Catalytic Nanocoating for Corrosion Prevention (2013): CFD and CAD techniques for developing nano-coatings on alloys.
Enhanced Cooling for Open Pool Reactors (2017): Simulated advanced cooling methods for nuclear applications.
Optimized Pipeline Parameters for Petroleum (2012): Historical data-driven CFD optimization of petroleum pipeline flow.
Nano-Emulsion Production to Reduce Energy Costs (2018): Energy-efficient nano-emulsion production using CFD.
Multiphase CFD for Bone Drilling (2012): Complex CFD for temperature and particle dynamics in bone drilling.
Gas-Liquid Oscillatory Baffled Columns (2012): Designed and modeled oscillatory baffled columns, used in chemical processing.
Nucleation and Condensation Modeling (2014): High-fidelity CFD to predict phase transitions under extreme conditions.
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CFD Major Projects
Production of Light Metal at CSIRO (2004-2006): Key project for CSIRO’s magnesium production using carbothermic reduction with CFD.
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Optimization (2020): Modeled EOR methods, including gas injection and water flooding, for higher oil recovery efficiency.
Human Respiratory Flow and Particle Dynamics (2010): Applied CFD to study inhalation particle trajectories, crucial for respiratory device design.
CFD on CO₂ Removal with Converging-Diverging Nozzle (2009): Controlled phase transitions for CO₂ capture in oil and gas applications.
Fluid Flow in Submerged Vertical Round Jets (2017): Simulation of flow patterns in jet systems, aiding design for efficient fluid transfer.
Hydrate Formation Modeling in Pipelines (2021): Modeled hydrate risks in oil pipelines, providing flow assurance strategies.
Erosion Modeling in Pipes (2017): CFD modeling to assess solid particle erosion impacts on pipeline bends and fittings.
Porous Media Flow for Engine Design (2011): Modeled flow through porous media in engine applications, merging CAD and CFD for optimized designs.
Heat Transfer in Enhanced Tubes (2016): CFD simulated nanofluid-based heat enhancement in tubes with twisted tapes.
CO₂ Absorption in Fiber Membranes (2017): CFD for evaluating novel membrane designs for gas-liquid contact systems.
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CFD Minor Project
Production of Light Metal at CSIRO (2004-2006): Key project for CSIRO’s magnesium production using carbothermic reduction with CFD.
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Optimization (2020): Modeled EOR methods, including gas injection and water flooding, for higher oil recovery efficiency.
Human Respiratory Flow and Particle Dynamics (2010): Applied CFD to study inhalation particle trajectories, crucial for respiratory device design.
CFD on CO₂ Removal with Converging-Diverging Nozzle (2009): Controlled phase transitions for CO₂ capture in oil and gas applications.
Fluid Flow in Submerged Vertical Round Jets (2017): Simulation of flow patterns in jet systems, aiding design for efficient fluid transfer.
Hydrate Formation Modeling in Pipelines (2021): Modeled hydrate risks in oil pipelines, providing flow assurance strategies.
Erosion Modeling in Pipes (2017): CFD modeling to assess solid particle erosion impacts on pipeline bends and fittings.
Porous Media Flow for Engine Design (2011): Modeled flow through porous media in engine applications, merging CAD and CFD for optimized designs.
Heat Transfer in Enhanced Tubes (2016): CFD simulated nanofluid-based heat enhancement in tubes with twisted tapes.
CO₂ Absorption in Fiber Membranes (2017): CFD for evaluating novel membrane designs for gas-liquid contact systems.
Licenses & Certifications