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

158 works between 1984 and 2025
All (158) Journal Article (59) Book Chapter (1) Conference Publication (91) Other Outputs (4) Edited Outputs (3)

101 - 120 of 158 works

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

2002

Journal Article

Thermochromic liquid crystals for assessing the performance of scramjet inlets with notched cowls

Mee, David J., Skowronski, Michael D. and Chiu, H. H. Sam (2002). Thermochromic liquid crystals for assessing the performance of scramjet inlets with notched cowls. Journal of the Indian Institute of Science Section B: Physical and Chemical Sciences, 82 (3&4), 145-160.

Thermochromic liquid crystals for assessing the performance of scramjet inlets with notched cowls

2002

Conference Publication

Stability tests in superorbital expansion tubes

Abdel-Jawad, M., Mee, D. J., Morgan, R. G. and Chiu, S.H. (2002). Stability tests in superorbital expansion tubes. 11th AIAA/AAAF International Conference Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies, Orleans, France, 29/09/02 - 04/10/02. USA: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Stability tests in superorbital expansion tubes

2002

Conference Publication

Uncertainty analysis for the measurements of aerodynamic loss of cooled turbine blades

Aminossadati, S. M. and Mee, D. J. (2002). Uncertainty analysis for the measurements of aerodynamic loss of cooled turbine blades. The Fifth Biennial Engineering Mathematics and Applications Conference, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, 29/09/02 - 02/10/02. Brisbane, Australia: Queensland University of Technology.

Uncertainty analysis for the measurements of aerodynamic loss of cooled turbine blades

2002

Conference Publication

Lift, pitching moment and thrust measurement on a fuelled scramjet

Robinson, M. J., Mee, D. J. and Paull, A. (2002). Lift, pitching moment and thrust measurement on a fuelled scramjet. Twenty-Third International Symposium on Shock Waves, The University of Texas at Arlington, USA, 23-27 July, 2001. USA: ISSW23.

Lift, pitching moment and thrust measurement on a fuelled scramjet

2002

Journal Article

Boundary-layer transition measurements in hypervelocity flows in a shock tunnel

Mee, D. J. (2002). Boundary-layer transition measurements in hypervelocity flows in a shock tunnel. AIAA Journal, 40 (8), 1542-1548. doi: 10.2514/2.1851

Boundary-layer transition measurements in hypervelocity flows in a shock tunnel

2002

Conference Publication

Transient force measurements at superorbital speeds

Abdel-Jawad, M., Mee, D. J., Morgan, R. G., Jacobs, P.A. and Philpot, J.A. (2002). Transient force measurements at superorbital speeds. Twenty-Third International Symposium on Shock Waves, The University of Texas at Arlington, USA, 23-27 July, 2001. USA: ISSW23.

Transient force measurements at superorbital speeds

2002

Conference Publication

Sonic line location in reacting flows

Morgan, R. G., Abdel-Jawad, M. and Mee, D. J. (2002). Sonic line location in reacting flows. 40th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, Reno, Nevada, USA, 14-17 January, 2002. USA: AIAA. doi: 10.2514/6.2002-221

Sonic line location in reacting flows

2002

Journal Article

Numerical investigations of flow and energy fields near a thermoacoustic couple

Ishikawa, Haruko and Mee, David J. (2002). Numerical investigations of flow and energy fields near a thermoacoustic couple. Journal of The Acoustical Society of America, 111 (2), 831-839. doi: 10.1121/1.1430687

Numerical investigations of flow and energy fields near a thermoacoustic couple

2002

Conference Publication

Drag on a slender cone at mach 6.6 with film ejection of hydrogen

Mee, D. J., Weiland, M.K.H. and Paull, A. (2002). Drag on a slender cone at mach 6.6 with film ejection of hydrogen. Twenty-Third International Symposium on Shock Waves, The University of Texas at Arlington, USA, 23-27 July, 2001. USA: ISSW23.

Drag on a slender cone at mach 6.6 with film ejection of hydrogen

2002

Conference Publication

Sonic jump for planetary entry vehicles

Abdel-Jawad, M., Morgan, R. G. and Mee, D. J. (2002). Sonic jump for planetary entry vehicles. 11th AIAA/AAAF International Conference Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies, Orleans, France, 29/09/02-04/10/02. USA: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Sonic jump for planetary entry vehicles

2002

Other Outputs

Dynamic calibration of force balances

Mee, D. J. (2002). Dynamic calibration of force balances. Research Report 2002-6 Brisbane: Division of Mechanical Engineering, The Univ. of Qld.

Dynamic calibration of force balances

2002

Conference Publication

Aeroassisted maneuvering of elastic tethered systems using a dissipative time-stepping algorithm

Jokic, M. D., Daniel, W. J. T., Asokanthan, S. F. and Mee, D. J. (2002). Aeroassisted maneuvering of elastic tethered systems using a dissipative time-stepping algorithm. 40th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, Reno, Nevada, USA, 14-17 January, 2002. USA: AIAA. doi: 10.2514/6.2002-1135

Aeroassisted maneuvering of elastic tethered systems using a dissipative time-stepping algorithm

2002

Conference Publication

Heat transfer and flow behind a rearward facing step in a super-orbital expansion tube

Hayne, M. J., Gai, S.L., Hillier, R., Morgan, R. G., Mee, D. J. and Mcintyre, T. J. (2002). Heat transfer and flow behind a rearward facing step in a super-orbital expansion tube. Twenty-Third International Symposium on Shock Waves, The University of Texas at Arlington, USA, 23-27 July, 2001. USA: ISSW23.

Heat transfer and flow behind a rearward facing step in a super-orbital expansion tube

2001

Journal Article

Design, modelling and analysis of a six component force balance for hypervelocity wind tunnel testing

Smith, AL, Mee, DJ, Daniel, WJT and Shimoda, T (2001). Design, modelling and analysis of a six component force balance for hypervelocity wind tunnel testing. Computers & Structures, 79 (11), 1077-1088. doi: 10.1016/S0045-7949(01)00005-0

Design, modelling and analysis of a six component force balance for hypervelocity wind tunnel testing

2001

Conference Publication

Heat transfer behind a step in high enthalpy super-orbital flow

Gai, S.L., Hayne, M. J., Gardner, A., Morgan, R. G. and Mee, D. J. (2001). Heat transfer behind a step in high enthalpy super-orbital flow. 39th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, Nevada, USA, 8-11 January, 2001. USA: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. doi: 10.2514/6.2001-509

Heat transfer behind a step in high enthalpy super-orbital flow

2001

Other Outputs

Transition measurements on a 5 degree cone in the T4 Shock Tunnel

Mee, D. J. (2001). Transition measurements on a 5 degree cone in the T4 Shock Tunnel. Research Report 2001-2 St. Lucia: Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Queensland.

Transition measurements on a 5 degree cone in the T4 Shock Tunnel

2001

Conference Publication

Boundary layer transition measurements in hypervelocity flows in a shock tunnel

Mee, D. J. (2001). Boundary layer transition measurements in hypervelocity flows in a shock tunnel. 39th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, Nevada, USA, 8-11 January, 2001. USA: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Boundary layer transition measurements in hypervelocity flows in a shock tunnel

2001

Conference Publication

Aerogravity assist manoeuvring of a tethered satellite system

Jokic, M. D., Asokanthan, S. F., Daniel, W. J. T. and Mee, D. J. (2001). Aerogravity assist manoeuvring of a tethered satellite system. AIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference and Exhibit, Montreal, Canada, 6-9 August, 2001. USA: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. doi: 10.2514/6.2001-4071

Aerogravity assist manoeuvring of a tethered satellite system

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

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
  • 2018 - 2024
    Hypersonic Science and Enabling Technologies - General Support
    Commonwealth Defence Science and Technology Group
    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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