Overview
Background
My research focuses on fluid flows, in particular turbulent flows. Turbulence is present is many engineering and environmental applications and affects many aspects of our lives. The aim of my research is to better understand turbulence to be able to develop more sustainable engineering solutions and strategies.
Examples include:
- Analysis of atmospheric boundary layer turbulence,
- Investigation of turbulent wind impacts in renewable energy applications, including solar and wind energy,
- Investigation of strategies for reducing the turbulent drag that occurs on aircraft and ships as they move through air or water.
An area of my current research interest is understanding and characterisation of turbulent canopy flows using wind tunnel experiments, field measurements and analytical modelling. Canopy flows exist in agricultural fields, forests, solar arrays and urban environments. My research aims to develop an improved understanding of the turbulent and scalar transport in these environments to inform operational strategies and design considerations in these various environmental, engineering and urban settings.
I joined the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering at the University of Queensland as a lecturer in 2024. Prior to that, I held lecturer and postdoctoral positions at the University of Adelaide. In addition to my research and teaching activities, I co-convene the Australasian Fluid Mechanics Society (AFMS) Seminar Series, a fortnightly online seminar featuring Fluid Mechanics research, and I am on the Student/Early Career Researcher sub-committee of the AFMS.
Availability
- Dr Azadeh Jafari is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Guilan
- Masters (Coursework) of Mechanical Engineering, University of Guilan
- Doctor of Philosophy of Mechanical Engineering, University of Adelaide
Research interests
-
Boundary Layer Flows
Characterising boundary layer flows over complex surfaces is important for several engineering and environmental applications. This research combines wind tunnel experiments and theoretical analysis to improve our understanding of boundary layers over different surfaces.
-
Fluid Dynamics of Renewable Energy Applications
Investigating the wind and flow dynamics in solar and wind farms to inform design and operational strategies. Examples include wind loads on solar panels and heliostats, heat mitigation in PV arrays, and how urban photovoltaics and agrivoltaics impact heat and airflow transfer in urban and rural settings.
-
Turbulent Flows
Using analytical and experimental approaches to analyse and manipulate turbulence in different flow applications
Works
Search Professor Azadeh Jafari’s works on UQ eSpace
2017
Journal Article
24-hour cooling of a building by a PCM-integrated adsorption system
Poshtiri, Amin Haghighi and Jafari, Azadeh (2017). 24-hour cooling of a building by a PCM-integrated adsorption system. International Journal of Refrigeration, 79, 57-75. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2017.03.025
2017
Journal Article
Passive solar cooling of single-storey buildings by an adsorption chiller system combined with a solar chimney
Jafari, Azadeh and Poshtiri, Amin Haghighi (2017). Passive solar cooling of single-storey buildings by an adsorption chiller system combined with a solar chimney. Journal of Cleaner Production, 141, 662-682. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.09.099
2016
Journal Article
Daily cooling of one-story buildings using domed roof and solar adsorption cooling system
Poshtiri, Amin Haghighi, Bahar, Safoura and Jafari, Azadeh (2016). Daily cooling of one-story buildings using domed roof and solar adsorption cooling system. Applied Energy, 182, 299-319. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.08.132
2016
Journal Article
Reduction in auxiliary energy consumption in a solar adsorption cooling system by utilization of phase change materials
Poshtiri, Amin Haghighi and Jafari, Azadeh (2016). Reduction in auxiliary energy consumption in a solar adsorption cooling system by utilization of phase change materials. Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, 138 (5) 051002. doi: 10.1115/1.4033711
2016
Journal Article
A study of a wind catcher assisted adsorption cooling channel for natural cooling of a 2-storey building
Haghighi, A. P., Pakdel, S. H. and Jafari, A. (2016). A study of a wind catcher assisted adsorption cooling channel for natural cooling of a 2-storey building. Energy, 102, 118-138. doi: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.02.033
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Azadeh Jafari is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
-
Passive Flow Control for Turbulent Boundary Layer Drag Reduction
Explore a novel passive flow control strategy to suppress turbulence and reduce drag through experimental fluid mechanics using advanced wind tunnel testing and diagnostics.
-
UQ-IITD Project: Sensing and enhancement of wind turbine power output using flexible filaments
Control of wind turbines located in a wind farm setting involves measurement of wind speed profiles near the turbine. The wind speed profiles upstream to the turbine can be used for optimal wake steering. In this project, a low-cost technique for measuring wind speed profiles near wind turbines will be developed. Bending of passive flexible filaments, anchored to the ground near the turbine, will be used to sense the wind speed. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel experiments will be used to calibrate the wind speed profile obtained from filament bending against wind speed in turbulent boundary layers. A model will be developed to relate the wind velocity deficit upstream and downstream of the turbine to the bending of the filaments. A canopy of flexible filaments, placed in the vicinity of the turbines, can also act as passive control technique for modulating the inflow at the turbine based on wind speed. CFD and wind tunnel experiments will be conducted to assess the potential of such filament canopies to enhance the power output of turbines in a wind farm setting. The CFD and experimental studies will be used to determine the optimal design parameters (e.g. length, diameter and stiffness) for the filament, both for sensing and passive control applications. Small-scale prototypes of the filaments will be fabricated for the experimental measurements.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Turbulent wind flow in solar farms
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Mason
-
Master Philosophy
Transient Wind Loading of Structures During Extreme Wind Storms
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Mason
Media
Enquiries
For media enquiries about Dr Azadeh Jafari's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: