Emeritus Professor David Mee
Emeritus Professor

David Mee

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Background

Prof David Mee's research interests are in Hypersonic and Supersonic Flow.

After completing his PhD at UQ, he spent five years as a Research Fellow in the turbomachinery research group at Oxford University in the U.K. He returned to UQ as an ARC Queen Elizabeth II Research Fellow in 1991 and joined the academic staff of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1993. He served as Head of the Division of Mechanical Engineering from 2007 to 2017, acting Head of the School of Engineering from January to July 2009 and Head of the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering from July 2009 to February 2017. He retired in 2020 and is currently an Emeritus Professor in the School.

David's main areas of research are focussed in the field of hypersonics aerothermodynamics. He has undertaken much research on rapid response, stress-wave force balances, which are essential technology for categorising the performance of scramjet engines in transient facilities, such as shock tubes. He was a member of the team that conducted the first known wind-tunnel test in which a scramjet vehicle produced net thrust. He has also published on the transient processes in the latter stages of boundary layer transition in hypersonic flows.

Availability

Emeritus Professor David Mee is:
Not available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Aerodynamics (excl. hypersonic aerodynamics) Engineering Hypersonic propulsion and hypersonic aerothermodynamics Satellite, space vehicle and missile design and testing

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Engineering, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Boundary-layer Transition

    This project studies the processes by which a laminar boundary layer transitions to a turbulent one under conditions of hypervelocity flow. This will lead to a better understanding and improved modelling of the high-speed transition process.

  • Boundary-layer combustion

    Injection, ignition and combustion of fuel into the boundary layer of a supersonic flow can lead to substantial reductions in skin friction. This has potential for improvement of the performance of scramjet-powered vehicles.

  • Force Measurement in Impulse Facilities

    Measurement of aerodynamic forces on bodies in short-duration impulse facilities. A number of such facilities exist at The University of Queensland.

  • Scramjet Testing in Shock Tunnels

    Generally half the drag of hypersonic vehicles will be caused by air friction on the aircraft's skin. A new method of reducing skin friction has been discovered. The range of conditions under which this method will be effective are being investigated.

Search Professor David Mee’s works on UQ eSpace

156 works between 1984 and 2024
All (156) Journal Article (58) Book Chapter (1) Conference Publication (90) Other Outputs (4) Edited Outputs (3)

81 - 100 of 156 works

2005

Conference Publication

Real gas effects on flows over rearward-facing steps in high enthalpy flows

Hayne, M. J., Gai, S. L., Mee, D. J. and Morgan, R. G. (2005). Real gas effects on flows over rearward-facing steps in high enthalpy flows. 24th International Symposium on Shock Waves, Beijing, China, 11-16 July 2004. Berlin, Germany: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-540-27009-6_36

Real gas effects on flows over rearward-facing steps in high enthalpy flows

2005

Conference Publication

Skin Friction Reduction in Hypersonic Turbulent Flow by Boundary Layer Combustion

Suraweera, Milinda, Mee, David J. and Stalker, Raymond J. (2005). Skin Friction Reduction in Hypersonic Turbulent Flow by Boundary Layer Combustion. 43rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, Nevada, 10-13 January, 2005. doi: 10.2514/6.2005-613

Skin Friction Reduction in Hypersonic Turbulent Flow by Boundary Layer Combustion

2005

Conference Publication

Background oriented schlieren technique for flow visualisation in shock tunnels

Raghunath, S., Mee, D., Roesgen, T. and Jacobs, P. (2005). Background oriented schlieren technique for flow visualisation in shock tunnels. 25th International Symposium on Shock Waves- ISSW25, Bangalore, India, 17-22 July 2005. India: Universities Press.

Background oriented schlieren technique for flow visualisation in shock tunnels

2005

Conference Publication

Compressible, turbulent flow with boundary-layer heat addition

Denman, Andrew W., Jacobs, Peter A. and Mee, David J. (2005). Compressible, turbulent flow with boundary-layer heat addition. 43rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, Nevada, 10 - 13 Jan 2005. Reston, Va.: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Compressible, turbulent flow with boundary-layer heat addition

2005

Conference Publication

Flow establishment over rearward-facing steps in high enthalpy flows

Hayne, MJ, Mee, DJ, Gai, SL, Stewart, BS and Morgan, RG (2005). Flow establishment over rearward-facing steps in high enthalpy flows. 24th International Symposium on Shock Waves, Beijing Peoples R China, Jul 11-16, 2004. BERLIN: SPRINGER-VERLAG BERLIN. doi: 10.1007/978-3-540-27009-6_23

Flow establishment over rearward-facing steps in high enthalpy flows

2004

Conference Publication

Visualization Of Supersonic Flows In Shock Tunnels, Using The Background Oriented Schlieren Technique

Raghunath, Sreekanth, Mee, David J., Roesgen, Thomas and Jacobs, Peter A. (2004). Visualization Of Supersonic Flows In Shock Tunnels, Using The Background Oriented Schlieren Technique. 2004 AIAA Australian Aerospace Student Conference, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 12 December, 2004.

Visualization Of Supersonic Flows In Shock Tunnels, Using The Background Oriented Schlieren Technique

2004

Journal Article

Rarefied, Superorbital Flows in an Expansion Tube

Wheatley, Vincent, Chiu, Sam Hsieh-Hsiang, Jacobs, Peter A., Macrossan, Michael N., Mee, David J. and Morgan, Richard G. (2004). Rarefied, Superorbital Flows in an Expansion Tube. International Journal for Numerical Methods for Heat and Fluid Flow, 14 (4), 512-537. doi: 10.1108/09615530410532277

Rarefied, Superorbital Flows in an Expansion Tube

2004

Conference Publication

Simulation of the performance of a shock tube for studying chemical kinetics

Mee, D. J., Jacobs, P. A., Reddy, K. P. J., Rajakumar, B. and Arunan, E. (2004). Simulation of the performance of a shock tube for studying chemical kinetics. 9th International Workshop on Shock Tube Technology, Woomera, Australia, 27 September - 1 October 2004.

Simulation of the performance of a shock tube for studying chemical kinetics

2004

Conference Publication

Performance measurements in a shock tunnel of a fuelled scramjet vehicle generating lift, thrust and pitching moment

Robinson, Matthew J. and Mee, David J. (2004). Performance measurements in a shock tunnel of a fuelled scramjet vehicle generating lift, thrust and pitching moment. 24th International Symposium on Shock Waves, Beijing, China, 11-16 July 2004. Berlin, Germany: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-540-27009-6_134

Performance measurements in a shock tunnel of a fuelled scramjet vehicle generating lift, thrust and pitching moment

2004

Edited Outputs

Acoustics 2004 - Transportation Noise and Vibration - the New Millennium

D. J. Mee, R. J. Hooker and I. D. M. Hillock eds. (2004). Acoustics 2004 - Transportation Noise and Vibration - the New Millennium. Proceedings of the annual conference of the Australian Acoustical Society, Gold Coast, Australia, 3-5 November 2004. Australia: Australian Acoustical Society.

Acoustics 2004 - Transportation Noise and Vibration - the New Millennium

2004

Conference Publication

Flow visualization in the Drummond shock tunnel using the background oriented schlieren technique

Raghunath, S., Mee, D. J., Roesgen, T. and Jacobs, P. A. (2004). Flow visualization in the Drummond shock tunnel using the background oriented schlieren technique. 9th International Workshop on Shock Tube Technology, Woomera, South Australia, 27 September- 1 October 2004.

Flow visualization in the Drummond shock tunnel using the background oriented schlieren technique

2004

Conference Publication

Reducing skin friction by boundary layer combustion on a generic scramjet model

Trenker, M., Mee, D. J. and Stalker, R. J. (2004). Reducing skin friction by boundary layer combustion on a generic scramjet model. 24th International Symposium on Shock Waves, Beijing, China, 11-16 July 2004. Berlin, Germany: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-540-27009-6_137

Reducing skin friction by boundary layer combustion on a generic scramjet model

2004

Conference Publication

Flow establishment over rearward-facing steps in high enthalpy flows

Hayne, M. J., Mee, D. J., Gai, S. L., Stewart, B. S. and Morgan, R. G. (2004). Flow establishment over rearward-facing steps in high enthalpy flows. 24th International Symposium on Shock Waves, Beijing, China, 11-16 July 2004. Berlin, Germany: Springer.

Flow establishment over rearward-facing steps in high enthalpy flows

2004

Conference Publication

Three-component force measurements on a large scramjet in a shock tunnel

Robinson, M. J., Mee, D. J., Tsai, C. Y. and Bakos, R. J. (2004). Three-component force measurements on a large scramjet in a shock tunnel. USA: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. doi: 10.2514/1.10699

Three-component force measurements on a large scramjet in a shock tunnel

2003

Conference Publication

Measurement of the aerodynamic performance of a scramjet-powered vehicle in a shock tunnel

Robinson, M. J., Mee, D. J. and Paull, A. (2003). Measurement of the aerodynamic performance of a scramjet-powered vehicle in a shock tunnel. Century of Aerospace Brisbane 2003, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 29 July - 1 August 2003. Barton, A.C.T., Australia: Engineers Australia.

Measurement of the aerodynamic performance of a scramjet-powered vehicle in a shock tunnel

2003

Journal Article

Heat transfer and flow behind a step in high enthalpy superorbital flow

Hayne, MJ, Mee, DJ, Morgan, RG, Gai, SL and McIntyre, TJ (2003). Heat transfer and flow behind a step in high enthalpy superorbital flow. Aeronautical Journal, 107 (1073), 435-442. doi: 10.1017/s0001924000130040

Heat transfer and flow behind a step in high enthalpy superorbital flow

2003

Edited Outputs

Proceedings of the 10th Australian International Aerospace Congress

Mee, David J. ed. (2003). Proceedings of the 10th Australian International Aerospace Congress. 10th Australian International Aerospace Congress, Brisbane, Australia, 29 July – 1 August, 2003. Barton, Australia: Engineers Australia.

Proceedings of the 10th Australian International Aerospace Congress

2003

Journal Article

Dynamic Calibration of Force Balances for Impulse Hypersonic Facilities

Mee, D. J. (2003). Dynamic Calibration of Force Balances for Impulse Hypersonic Facilities. Shock Waves, 12 (6), 443-455. doi: 10.1007/s00193-003-0181-6

Dynamic Calibration of Force Balances for Impulse Hypersonic Facilities

2003

Other Outputs

Operational manual for the X1 expansion tube

Chiu, S.H. and Mee, D. J. (2003). Operational manual for the X1 expansion tube. Research Report 2003/14 St. Lucia: Division of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Queensland.

Operational manual for the X1 expansion tube

2002

Journal Article

Techniques for detailed heat transfer measurements in cold supersonic blowdown tunnels using thermochromic liquid crystals

Mee, D. J., Chiu, H. S. and Ireland, P. T. (2002). Techniques for detailed heat transfer measurements in cold supersonic blowdown tunnels using thermochromic liquid crystals. International Journal of Heat And Mass Transfer, 45 (16), 3287-3297. doi: 10.1016/S0017-9310(02)00050-9

Techniques for detailed heat transfer measurements in cold supersonic blowdown tunnels using thermochromic liquid crystals

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2025
    Investigating the Influence of Tailored Wall Temperature Profiling on Hypersonic Boundary Layer Transition
    United States Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    3D Hypersonic Shock-Turbulent-Boundary-Layer Interactions
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    Magnetohydrodynamic Aerobraking for Spacecraft Entry to Earth's Atmosphere
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    Experimental study of non-equilibrium turbulence-chemistry interaction in external hypersonic flows
    United States Office of Naval Research
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2024
    Hypersonic Science and Enabling Technologies - General Support
    Commonwealth Defence Science and Technology Group
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2020 - 2024
    Advanced Ground Testing and Simulation of the Boundary Layer Transition (BOLT) Flight Experiment
    United States Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Optical Equipment for Advanced Thermofluid Measurements
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Experimental Studies of High-Speed Flows
    National University of Singapore Research Collaboration Agreement
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Acoustic loads on hypersonic engines (ARC Discovery Project administered by The University of New South Wales)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Turbulent heat transfer during Mars Venus and Earth atmospheric entry
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Hydrocarbon fuel technology for hypersonic air breathing vehicles
    Cooperative Research Centre Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Optical diagnostics for the investigation of high-speed energetic processes (ARC LIEF project administered by The University of New South Wales)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Hypersonic Driver - NWTF Project
    University of Oxford
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Super high speed grinding facility for difficult-to-machine materials and structures
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Flow physics of porous wall fuel injection for scramjet combustion and drag reduction
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Infrastructure for hypersonic laboratories
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Flight Laboratory - Experiencing and analysing flight dynamics
    UQ Teaching & Learning Strategic Grants
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Ensuring a world-class hypersonic shock tunnel for maintaining world-leading hypersonic R&D
    UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Instrumentation Facility for Hypersonic Heat Transfer Measurements
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Enhancing Scramjet Performance By Boundary Layer Combustion
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2006
    ESEG_Boundary layer transition lengths in hypervelocity flows
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2008
    Mach 10 Hydrogen fuelled scramjet development
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    Mach 10 Scramjet Flight Thrust Measurements - An extension to the HyShot Flight Program
    United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2004
    Minimizing hypersonic skin-friction by boundary-layer combustion
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2000 - 2001
    Visit to the US and Japan to build productive commercial alliances with the international aerospace industry
    Department Industry Science & Resources
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Investigation of the process of boundary layer transition in hypervelocity flows
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2001
    Simultaneous lift moment and thrust measurement in hypervelocity flow
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Distribution of Heat Transfer Parameters to Surfaces in Supersonic Flows
    ARC Investigators - International Links
    Open grant
  • 1997 - 1999
    Development of a hypervelocity test facility for rarefied gas flows
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Heat transfer measurements in a supersonic blowdown tunnel using liquid crystals
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1996 - 1998
    Investigation of high quality nozzle design for shock tunnels
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1996
    Losses associated with trailing-edge blowing of turbine blades
    University of Queensland New Staff Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1997
    Aerodynamic force measurements in impulse hypersonic facilities
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant

Availability

Emeritus Professor David Mee is:
Not available for supervision

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Emeritus Professor David Mee directly for media enquiries about:

  • Aerodynamics
  • Boundary-layer combustion
  • Boundary-layer transition - engineering
  • Fluid mechanics
  • Gas turbines
  • Hypersonic flows
  • Jet engines
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Supersonic flows
  • Wind tunnels

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