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)

121 - 140 of 158 works

2001

Conference Publication

A test facility for hypervelocity rarefied flows

Macrossan, Michael N., Chiu, H.- H. and Mee, David J. (2001). A test facility for hypervelocity rarefied flows. 22nd International Symposium on Rarefied Gas Dynamics (AIP Conference Proceedings), Sydney, Australia, 9-14 July, 2000. USA: American Institute of Physics. doi: 10.1063/1.1407637

A test facility for hypervelocity rarefied flows

2000

Conference Publication

Hyshot scramjet testing in the T4 shock tunnel

Frost, M., Paull, A., Alesi, H. and Mee, D. J. (2000). Hyshot scramjet testing in the T4 shock tunnel. 7th International Workshop on Shock Tube Technology, Long Island, New York, USA, 18-20 September, 2000. Long Island, New York, USA: GASL.

Hyshot scramjet testing in the T4 shock tunnel

2000

Conference Publication

Heat transfer measurements in a transitional boundary layer on a flat plate in a hypervelocity flow

Mee, D. J. (2000). Heat transfer measurements in a transitional boundary layer on a flat plate in a hypervelocity flow. 7th International Workshop on Shock Tube Technology, Long Island, New York, USA, 18-20 September, 2000. Long Island, New York, USA: GASL.

Heat transfer measurements in a transitional boundary layer on a flat plate in a hypervelocity flow

2000

Conference Publication

Simultaneous lift, moment and thrust measurement in hypervelocity flow

Robinson, M. J., Mee, D. J. and Paull, A. (2000). Simultaneous lift, moment and thrust measurement in hypervelocity flow. 7th International Workshop on Shock Tube Technology, Long Island, New York, USA, 18-20 September, 2000. Long Island, New York, USA: GASL.

Simultaneous lift, moment and thrust measurement in hypervelocity flow

1999

Journal Article

Measurement of the temperature field downstream of simulated leading-edge film-cooling holes

Mee, DJ, Ireland, PT and Bather, S (1999). Measurement of the temperature field downstream of simulated leading-edge film-cooling holes. Experiments in Fluids, 27 (3), 273-283. doi: 10.1007/s003480050352

Measurement of the temperature field downstream of simulated leading-edge film-cooling holes

1999

Conference Publication

Numerical investigations of thermoacoustic effects on isothermal plates

Ishikawa, H. and Mee, D. J. (1999). Numerical investigations of thermoacoustic effects on isothermal plates. 61st Meeting on Cryogenics and Superconductivity, Tokyo, 10-12 November 1999. Tokyo: Centre for Cryogenics and Superconductivity.

Numerical investigations of thermoacoustic effects on isothermal plates

1999

Journal Article

Performance study of a power law starbody

Sabean, JW, Lewis, MJ, Mee, D and Paull, A (1999). Performance study of a power law starbody. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 36 (5), 646-652. doi: 10.2514/2.3496

Performance study of a power law starbody

1998

Conference Publication

Pilot study for a rarefied hypervelocity test facility

Wendt M., Macrossan M., Jacobs P. and Mee D. (1998). Pilot study for a rarefied hypervelocity test facility. Proceedings of the 1998 Thirteenth Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference, December 13, 1998-December 18, 1998. Monash University.

Pilot study for a rarefied hypervelocity test facility

1998

Conference Publication

Performance study of a power law star body

Sabean, John W., Lewis, Mark J., Mee, David and Paull, Allan (1998). Performance study of a power law star body. 8th AIAA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies Conference, 1998, Norfolk, VA, April 27, 1998-April 30, 1998. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA. doi: 10.2514/6.1998-1617

Performance study of a power law star body

1997

Journal Article

Developing a stress wave thrust balance for a hypersonic shock tunnel

Tuttle, S. L., Simmons, J. M. and Mee, D. J. (1997). Developing a stress wave thrust balance for a hypersonic shock tunnel. ICIASF Record, International Congress on Instrumentation in Aerospace Simulation Facilities, 1997, 362-367.

Developing a stress wave thrust balance for a hypersonic shock tunnel

1997

Conference Publication

Mechanical and Space Engineering, a degree for undergraduates

Morgan R.G., Mee D.J. and Macrossan M.N. (1997). Mechanical and Space Engineering, a degree for undergraduates. 35th Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, 1997, Reno, NV, United States, 6-9 January 1997. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA.

Mechanical and Space Engineering, a degree for undergraduates

1996

Journal Article

Turbulent spots in boundary layers in a free-piston shock-tunnel flow

Mee, D. J. and Goyne, C. P. (1996). Turbulent spots in boundary layers in a free-piston shock-tunnel flow. Shock Waves, 6 (6), 337-343. doi: 10.1007/BF02511324

Turbulent spots in boundary layers in a free-piston shock-tunnel flow

1996

Journal Article

Drag measurements in a hypervelocity expansion tube

Smith, AL and Mee, DJ (1996). Drag measurements in a hypervelocity expansion tube. Shock Waves, 6 (3), 161-166. doi: 10.1007/bf02510997

Drag measurements in a hypervelocity expansion tube

1996

Journal Article

Three-component force balance for flows of millisecond duration

Mee, David J., Daniel, William J. T. and Simmons, John M. (1996). Three-component force balance for flows of millisecond duration. AIAA Journal, 34 (3), 590-595. doi: 10.2514/3.13108

Three-component force balance for flows of millisecond duration

1996

Journal Article

Dynamic strain measurement using piezoelectric polymer film

Smith, AL and Mee, DJ (1996). Dynamic strain measurement using piezoelectric polymer film. Journal of Strain Analysis For Engineering Design, 31 (6), 463-465. doi: 10.1243/03093247V316463

Dynamic strain measurement using piezoelectric polymer film

1995

Journal Article

Finite element modelling of a three-component force balance for hypersonic flows

Daniel W.J.T. and Mee D.J. (1995). Finite element modelling of a three-component force balance for hypersonic flows. Computers and Structures, 54 (1), 35-48. doi: 10.1016/0045-7949(94)00309-Q

Finite element modelling of a three-component force balance for hypersonic flows

1995

Journal Article

Experiments on supersonic combustion ramjet propulsion in a shock tunnel

Paull A., Stalker R.J. and Mee D.J. (1995). Experiments on supersonic combustion ramjet propulsion in a shock tunnel. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 296 (-1), 159-183. doi: 10.1017/S0022112095002096

Experiments on supersonic combustion ramjet propulsion in a shock tunnel

1995

Conference Publication

Simulation of Aerodynamic Loss for Trailing-edge coolant ejection in gas turbine blades

Aminossadati, S.M. and Mee, D.J. (1995). Simulation of Aerodynamic Loss for Trailing-edge coolant ejection in gas turbine blades. 12th Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference, Sydney , Australia, 10-15 December 1995. Sydney, N.S.W., Australia: University of Sydney.

Simulation of Aerodynamic Loss for Trailing-edge coolant ejection in gas turbine blades

1995

Journal Article

Scramjet thrust measurement in a shock tunnel

Paull A., Stalker R.J. and Mee D.J. (1995). Scramjet thrust measurement in a shock tunnel. Aeronautical Journal, 99 (984), 161-163. doi: 10.1017/s0001924000027147

Scramjet thrust measurement in a shock tunnel

1995

Journal Article

Drag measurements at Mach 5 using a stress wave force balance

Tuttle S.L., Mee D.J. and Simmons J.M. (1995). Drag measurements at Mach 5 using a stress wave force balance. Experiments in Fluids, 19 (5), 336-341. doi: 10.1007/BF00203418

Drag measurements at Mach 5 using a stress wave force balance

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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