![Dr Christopher Leonardi](/sites/default/files/profiles/2881.jpeg)
Overview
Background
Biography:
Christopher Leonardi is an Associate Professor within the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering and an Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellow (Mid-Career). Dr Leonardi completed his PhD in computational mechanics at The University of Wales, Swansea, and his BE(Hons) in mechanical engineering at James Cook University, where he graduated with First Class Honours and a University Medal. Christopher’s PhD thesis resulted in the development of a computational approach to modelling complex fluid-particle suspensions and demonstrated its application in the context of underground mining. Prior to joining UQ, Christopher spent three years as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he worked on computational modelling of fluid-solid interaction problems in the context of oil and gas production.
Dr Leonardi has published more than 40 scientific papers in international journals, 30 conference papers (most in collaboration with industry partners), and one book chapter. He has graduated four PhD students as principal advisor and a further three as associate advisor. In addition to his academic pursuits, Christopher spent five years working as an engineering consultant with Rockfield Technologies Australia, where he applied advanced computational analysis tools to problems in bulk materials handling, structural design, and geomechanics.
Research:
Associate Professor Leonardi’s research is focused on the development and application of computational models of complex fluid-solid interactions, including suspension transport, porous media flow, multiphase flows, and poromechanics. The outputs of his work are applied to provide insight into the complex characteristics of subsurface fluid and solid mechanics in gas production from unconventional reservoirs (e.g. coal seams) and mineral extraction from challenging orebodies. Current and recent projects include studies on hydraulic fracturing and proppant transport in coal seam gas (CSG) reservoirs, surface movement within and adjacent to CSG tenements, counter-current two-phase flow in CSG wells, in situ recovery of minerals from low-permeability rocks, and bubble-particle interaction in hydrogen formation via methane pyrolysis.
Christopher and his group of postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students possess expertise in a range of computational techniques, including the lattice Boltzmann, discrete element, finite element, and finite difference methods. His team collaborates closely with national computing facilities, such as Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, to development, implement, and apply these techniques to large-scale engineering problems.
Teaching and Learning:
Associate Professor Leonardi is Director of Teaching and Learning in the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering where he coordinates and lectures the course, MECH3780 Computational Mechanics, and lectures the first-year course, ENGG1001 Programming for Engineers. Christopher was awarded a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education from UQ in 2015 and received Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning from the Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) in 2019 and UQ in 2018.
Availability
- Dr Christopher Leonardi is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Engineering, James Cook University
- Doctor of Philosophy, Swansea University
Works
Search Professor Christopher Leonardi’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Journal Article
Development of a central-moment phase-field lattice Boltzmann model for thermocapillary flows: Droplet capture and computational performance
Holzer, Markus, Mitchell, Travis R., Leonardi, Christopher R. and Rüde, Ulrich (2024). Development of a central-moment phase-field lattice Boltzmann model for thermocapillary flows: Droplet capture and computational performance. Journal of Computational Physics, 518 113337, 113337. doi: 10.1016/j.jcp.2024.113337
2024
Journal Article
Computational investigation of the role of ventricular remodelling in HFpEF: The key to phenotype dissection
Abraham, Jijo Derick, Shavik, Sheikh Mohammad, Mitchell, Travis R., Lee, Lik Chuan, Ray, Bahni and Leonardi, Christopher R. (2024). Computational investigation of the role of ventricular remodelling in HFpEF: The key to phenotype dissection. Computers in Biology and Medicine, 180 109019, 109019. doi: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.109019
2024
Conference Publication
Quantifying non-API proppant transport and fracture permeability as a function of solids loading and particle shape
Leonardi, C. R., Laniewski-Wollk, L. and Di Vaira, N. J. (2024). Quantifying non-API proppant transport and fracture permeability as a function of solids loading and particle shape. 58th U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, Golden, CO, United States, 23-26 June 2024. ARMA. doi: 10.56952/arma-2024-0718
2024
Journal Article
Numerical analysis of a hybrid SF-CPV/T collector using spectral-filter nanofluids suitable for a high operating temperature range
Mojumder, Juwel C., Aminossadati, Saiied M. and Leonardi, Christopher R. (2024). Numerical analysis of a hybrid SF-CPV/T collector using spectral-filter nanofluids suitable for a high operating temperature range. Renewable Energy, 230 120735, 120735. doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.120735
2024
Journal Article
Contextual existence of an optimum through-plane orientation and aspect ratio of a fiber-segment in fibrous air filters
Bhardwaj, Utsav, Ray, Bahni, Das, Dipayan, Mitchell, Travis R., Das, Apurba and Leonardi, Christopher R. (2024). Contextual existence of an optimum through-plane orientation and aspect ratio of a fiber-segment in fibrous air filters. Physics of Fluids, 36 (3) 033348. doi: 10.1063/5.0192443
2024
Journal Article
Numerical investigation of the effect of nanoparticle aggregation on the performance of concentrated photovoltaic-solar thermal collectors with spectral filtering
Mojumder, Juwel C., Mitchell, Travis, Aminossadati, Saiied M. and Leonardi, Christopher R. (2024). Numerical investigation of the effect of nanoparticle aggregation on the performance of concentrated photovoltaic-solar thermal collectors with spectral filtering. Applied Thermal Engineering, 239 121944, 1-17. doi: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2023.121944
2023
Journal Article
Assessment of capillary rise in rocks by Time Lapse Digital Imaging
López, Paulo, Mitchel, Travis, Leonardi, Christopher and Onederra, Italo (2023). Assessment of capillary rise in rocks by Time Lapse Digital Imaging. Minerals Engineering, 204 108434, 108434. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2023.108434
2023
Conference Publication
Characterization of Anisotropic Geomechanical Properties of Australian Bowen Basin Coals Through Nanoindentation and Upscaling Approaches
Shi, Zhang, Huang, Yixiao, Flottman, Thomas, Leonardi, Christopher, Lu, Mingyuan and Chen, Zhongwei (2023). Characterization of Anisotropic Geomechanical Properties of Australian Bowen Basin Coals Through Nanoindentation and Upscaling Approaches. Asia Pacific Unconventional Resources Symposium APUR 2023, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 14–15 November 2023. Richardson, TX United States: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/217274-MS
2023
Conference Publication
Understanding compressibility coefficients in heterogeneous fractured rocks and implications for CSG reservoir simulation
Santiago, V., Rodger, I., Hayes, P., Leonardi, C. and Deisman, N. (2023). Understanding compressibility coefficients in heterogeneous fractured rocks and implications for CSG reservoir simulation. Asia Pacific Unconventional Resources Symposium, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 14-15 November 2023. Richardson, TX USA: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/217281-MS
2023
Conference Publication
Computational analysis of proppant transport and screen-out in natural and induced fractures
Leonardi, Christopher R., Di Vaira, Nathan J., Laniewski-Wollk, Lukasz, Ganpule, Sameer and Flottmann, Thomas (2023). Computational analysis of proppant transport and screen-out in natural and induced fractures. Asia Pacific Unconventional Resources Symposium, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 14-15 November 2023. Richardson, TX, United States: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/217348-ms
2023
Journal Article
An experimental investigation of the fluid accessibility of preconditioned sulphide copper ores
López, Paulo, Araos, Miguel, Leonardi, Christopher and Onederra, Italo (2023). An experimental investigation of the fluid accessibility of preconditioned sulphide copper ores. Minerals Engineering, 200 108142, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2023.108142
2023
Conference Publication
Towards a statistical framework to upscale fracture flows with quantifiable uncertainty
Mitchell, T., Sashko, D., Łaniewski-Wołłk, Ł. and Leonardi, C. (2023). Towards a statistical framework to upscale fracture flows with quantifiable uncertainty. 2nd EAGE Workshop on Fluid Flow in Faults and Fracture - Modelling, Uncertainty and Risk, Canberra, ACT Australia, 15-16 August 2023. Bunnik, Netherlands: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers. doi: 10.3997/2214-4609.202373012
2023
Journal Article
The complexity of identifying and quantifying natural and anthropogenic influences on surface movement in coal seam gas producing regions within the Surat Basin, Queensland
Brennand, Sarah, Hayes, Phil and Leonardi, Christopher (2023). The complexity of identifying and quantifying natural and anthropogenic influences on surface movement in coal seam gas producing regions within the Surat Basin, Queensland. The APPEA Journal, 63 (1), 127-143. doi: 10.1071/aj22143
2023
Journal Article
Hydrodynamic clogging of micro-particles in planar channels under electrostatic forces
Di Vaira, Nathan J., Łaniewski-Wołłk, Łukasz, Johnson, Raymond L., Aminossadati, Saiied M. and Leonardi, Christopher R. (2023). Hydrodynamic clogging of micro-particles in planar channels under electrostatic forces. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 960 A34. doi: 10.1017/jfm.2023.214
2023
Journal Article
Processing of micro-CT images of granodiorite rock samples using convolutional neural networks (CNN). Part III: Enhancement of Scanco micro-CT images of granodiorite rocks using a 3D convolutional neural network super-resolution algorithm
Roslin, A., Lebedev, M., Mitchell, T.R., Onederra, I.A. and Leonardi, C.R. (2023). Processing of micro-CT images of granodiorite rock samples using convolutional neural networks (CNN). Part III: Enhancement of Scanco micro-CT images of granodiorite rocks using a 3D convolutional neural network super-resolution algorithm. Minerals Engineering, 195 108028, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2023.108028
2023
Journal Article
Processing of micro-CT images of granodiorite rock samples using convolutional neural networks (CNN), Part II: Semantic segmentation using a 2.5D CNN
Roslin, A., Marsh, M., Provencher, B., Mitchell, T. R., Onederra, I. A. and Leonardi, C. R. (2023). Processing of micro-CT images of granodiorite rock samples using convolutional neural networks (CNN), Part II: Semantic segmentation using a 2.5D CNN. Minerals Engineering, 195 108027, 108027. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2023.108027
2023
Journal Article
Performance analysis of a concentrated direct absorption solar collector (DASC) with nanofluids using computational fluid dynamics and discrete ordinates radiation modelling (CFD-DORM)
Mojumder, Juwel C., Aminossadati, Saiied M. and Leonardi, Christopher R. (2023). Performance analysis of a concentrated direct absorption solar collector (DASC) with nanofluids using computational fluid dynamics and discrete ordinates radiation modelling (CFD-DORM). Renewable Energy, 205, 30-52. doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2023.01.066
2023
Journal Article
Performance analysis of magnetorheological plastomer dampers with different annular shear gaps
Aziz, Mohammad Abdul, Aminossadati, Saiied M. and Leonardi, Christopher (2023). Performance analysis of magnetorheological plastomer dampers with different annular shear gaps. Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, 568 170396. doi: 10.1016/j.jmmm.2023.170396
2023
Conference Publication
Probabilistic quantification of size segregation and screen-out of microparticles subject to electrostatic forces
Leonardi, Christopher R., Di Vaira, Nathan J., Laniewski-Wollk, Lukasz, Aminossadati, Saiied M. and Johnson, Raymond L. (2023). Probabilistic quantification of size segregation and screen-out of microparticles subject to electrostatic forces. SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference and Exhibition 2023, HFTC 2023, The Woodlands, TX, United States, 31 January– 2 February 2023. Richardson, TX, United States: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/212379-ms
2023
Journal Article
Experimental and numerical investigation into the fracture patterns induced by blast-loading under unconfined and confined conditions
Mitchell, T. R., Wang, Z., Araos, M., Leonardi, C. R., Gefken, P. R. and Onederra, I. A. (2023). Experimental and numerical investigation into the fracture patterns induced by blast-loading under unconfined and confined conditions. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 56 (4), 2433-2455. doi: 10.1007/s00603-022-03195-x
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Christopher Leonardi is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Development of a computational framework for the dynamic interaction of fluids and solids during resource extraction
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Travis Mitchell, Dr Lukasz Laniewski-Wollk
-
Doctor Philosophy
Quantifying the mechanical properties of myocardium in cases of heart failure by preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Travis Mitchell
-
Doctor Philosophy
Use of Differential InSAR for Monitoring Surface Deformation in the Surat Basin
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Phil Hayes
-
Doctor Philosophy
Modelling and fabrication of optimal fiber-based filter for effective air-borne fine-particle capture
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Travis Mitchell
-
Doctor Philosophy
Improving Gas Recovery in Low-Permeability Coals by Deployment of Multi-stage Indirect Hydraulic Fractures
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen, Professor Ray Johnson
-
Doctor Philosophy
Computational Simulation of a high-efficiency refrigeration system for underground mines
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati
-
Doctor Philosophy
Controlling microenvironments to enable green fuels and scalable electrolysis
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Tom Rufford, Dr Travis Mitchell
-
Doctor Philosophy
Overcoming roadblocks in mammalian cell biomanufacturing
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Justin Cooper-White
-
Doctor Philosophy
Smart Grid monitoring with Artificial Intelligence
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati
-
Doctor Philosophy
Integrating hydrogen from methane pyrolysis into the iron and steel industry
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Travis Mitchell, Associate Professor Simon Smart
Completed supervision
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the transport of proppant and micro-proppant in fracture networks via direct numerical simulation of particle-laden flows
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati, Professor Ray Johnson
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Computational modelling of nanofluids under solar radiation in a CPV/T collector
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Development of a multiphase lattice Boltzmann model for high-density and viscosity ratio flows in unconventional gas wells
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mahshid Firouzi
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Direct Numerical Simulation of Coupled Fluid-Particle Flow in Hydraulic Fractures
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Numerical investigation of conjugate heat transfer and temperature-dependent viscosity in non-Brownian suspensions with application to hydraulic fracturing
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Integrated Numerical Model for Examining the Performance of Magnetorheological Plastomer Dampers: Magnetorheological Plastomer Dampers
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Impact of preconditioning fracturing on fluid accessibility of chalcopyrite ores
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Italo Onederra
-
2023
Master Philosophy
ADVANCED MODELLING OF FLOOR DISRUPTION BLASTING TO IMPROVE LOW-WALL STABILITY IN COAL MINING
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Italo Onederra
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Performance simulation of Hollow-Core Photonic Crystal Fibre as a gas sensor for industry applications
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil, Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Numerical and Experimental Investigations of Thermo-hydrodynamic Characteristics of Ice Slurry in Helical Heat Exchangers
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Development and Investigation of Integrated Reservoir-Wellbore Flow Model
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen, Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati
-
2018
Master Philosophy
Detonation performance of novel hydrogen peroxide and nitrate-based hybrid explosives
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Italo Onederra
-
2017
Master Philosophy
Investigating the application of linear shaped charges in wall control practices
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Italo Onederra
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Christopher Leonardi directly for media enquiries about:
- Complex fluid dynamics
- Computational modelling
- Oil and gas production
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