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
2012
Journal Article
Simulation of fines migration using a non-Newtonian lattice Boltzmann-discrete element model Part I: 2D implementation aspects
Leonardi, C. R., Owen, D. R. J. and Feng, Y. T. (2012). Simulation of fines migration using a non-Newtonian lattice Boltzmann-discrete element model Part I: 2D implementation aspects. Engineering Computations, 29 (3-4), 366-391. doi: 10.1108/02644401211227617
2011
Journal Article
An efficient framework for fluid–structure interaction using the lattice Boltzmann method and immersed moving boundaries
Owen, D. R. J., Leonardi, C. R. and Feng, Y. T. (2011). An efficient framework for fluid–structure interaction using the lattice Boltzmann method and immersed moving boundaries. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, 87 (1-5), 66-95. doi: 10.1002/nme.2985
2011
Journal Article
Numerical rheometry of bulk materials using a power law fluid and the lattice Boltzmann method
Leonardi, C. R., Owen, D. R. J. and Feng, Y. T. (2011). Numerical rheometry of bulk materials using a power law fluid and the lattice Boltzmann method. Journal of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics, 166 (12-13), 628-638. doi: 10.1016/j.jnnfm.2011.02.011
2011
Conference Publication
A Multi-Core Numerical Framework for Characterizing Flow in Oil Reservoirs
Leonardi, Christopher, Holmes, David W., Williams, John R. and Tilke, Peter G. (2011). A Multi-Core Numerical Framework for Characterizing Flow in Oil Reservoirs. 19th High Performance Computing Symposium (HCP2011), Boston USA, 4-7 april, 2011. San Diego, CA United States: Society for Computer Simulation International.
2011
Conference Publication
Large in-memory cyber-physical security-related analytics via scalable coherent shared memory architectures
Williams, John R., Herrero, Sergio, Leonardi, Christopher, Chan, Stephen, Sanchez, Abel and Aung, Zeyar (2011). Large in-memory cyber-physical security-related analytics via scalable coherent shared memory architectures. IEEE Symposium on Computational Intelligence in Cyber Security (CISC2011), Paris, France, 11-15 April 2011. Piscataway, NJ, United States: IEEE. doi: 10.1109/CICYBS.2011.5949414
2011
Book Chapter
Multi-field coupling strategies for large scale particle-fluid problems
Owen, D. R. J., Feng, Y. T., Han, K. and Leonardi, C. R. (2011). Multi-field coupling strategies for large scale particle-fluid problems. Recent Developments and Innovative Applications in Computational Mechanics. (pp. 239-248) edited by Dana Mueller-Hoeppe, Stefan Loehnert and Stefanie Reese. Berlin Heidelberg, Germany: Springer - Verlag. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-17484-1_27
2009
Conference Publication
Fluid/structure coupling in fracturing solids and particulate media
Owen, D. R. J., Feng, Y. T., Labao, M., Han, K., Leonardi, C. R., Yu, J. and Eve, R. (2009). Fluid/structure coupling in fracturing solids and particulate media. Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis. doi: 10.1080/17486020902767370
2008
Conference Publication
Computational modelling of fines migration in block caving operations
Leonardi, Christopher, Owens, D.R.J., Feng, Y.T. and Ferguson, W.T. (2008). Computational modelling of fines migration in block caving operations. 5th International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin2008), Lulea, Sweden, 9-11 June 2008. Luleå, Sweden: Luleå University of Technology.
2007
Conference Publication
Simulation of multi-fracturing rock media including fluid/structure coupling
Owen, D. R. J., Feng, Y. T., Labao, M., Leonardi, C. R., Zhao, S. Y. and Yu, J. (2007). Simulation of multi-fracturing rock media including fluid/structure coupling. 1st Canada-US Rock Mechanics Symposium, Vancouver BC, Canada, 27-31 May 2007. London: Taylor and Francis. doi: 10.1201/NOE0415444019-c57
2007
Conference Publication
Multi-field coupling strategies for large scale problems involving multi-fracturing rock and particulate media
Owen. D. R. J., Feng, Y. T., Han, K. and Leonardi, C. R. (2007). Multi-field coupling strategies for large scale problems involving multi-fracturing rock and particulate media. 3rd Asian-Pacific Congress on Computational Mechanics (APCOM07), Kyoto , Japan, 3-6 December 2007.
2005
Conference Publication
Application of discrete element methods to modelling of belt feeders
Loughran, J.G. and Leonardi, Christopher (2005). Application of discrete element methods to modelling of belt feeders. 4th Australasian Congress on Applied Mechanics (ACAM05), Melbourne , Australia, 16-18 February 2005. North Melbourne, VIC Australia: Institute of Materials Engineering Australasia.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Christopher Leonardi is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
-
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
Development of a computational framework for the dynamic interaction of fluids and solids during resource extraction
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Travis Mitchell
-
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
-
Master Philosophy
LBM-DEM modelling of multiphase, viscoelastic suspensions
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
Development of a non-Newtonian phase-field lattice Boltzmann method model for complex flows in porous media
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati, Dr Travis Mitchell
-
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
Development of a non-Newtonian phase-field lattice Boltzmann method model for complex flows in porous media
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati, Dr Travis Mitchell
-
Doctor Philosophy
Quantifying and attributing surface movement in the Surat Basin, south-east Queensland
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Phil Hayes
-
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating fundamental bubble-particle interactions in three-phase systems
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Travis Mitchell
-
Doctor Philosophy
Integrating hydrogen from methane pyrolysis into the iron and steel industry
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Travis Mitchell, Associate Professor Simon Smart
-
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
Development of methodology to quantify intensive preconditioning in block and panel caving operations
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen, Associate Professor Italo Onederra
-
Doctor Philosophy
Controlling microenvironments to enable green fuels and scalable electrolysis
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Tom Rufford, Dr Travis Mitchell
-
Doctor Philosophy
Overcoming roadblocks in mammalian cell biomanufacturing
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Justin Cooper-White
-
Doctor Philosophy
Development of an Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Model to Investigate the Transmission of Airborne Contaminants Under Both Static and Dynamic Scenarios
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati
-
Doctor Philosophy
Development and Optimisation of 3D Reconstruction Algorithms
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati
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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