Overview
Background
Fully funded PhD Scholarship is currently available: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/unsteady-turbulence-dynamics-pulsatile-pipe-flow
Dr Navid Freidoonimehr is a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering within the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering at The University of Queensland and an ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) Fellow. He completed his PhD at the University of Adelaide in 2021. His research spans biofluid mechanics, cardiovascular haemodynamics, and unsteady/pulsatile flow, with an emphasis on translating engineering insight into clinically meaningful cardiovascular diagnostics.
Navid Freidoonimehr’s research sits at the interface of engineering and clinical practice, with a strong focus on coronary artery physiology. His work integrates computational modelling (e.g., CFD and haemodynamic/diagnostic indices) with experimental fluid mechanics (benchtop flow loops, pressure–flow measurements, and flow visualisation) to quantify how lesions and microvascular resistance shape coronary physiology and how these effects can be captured with improved diagnostic approaches.
Alongside his cardiovascular program, Dr Freidoonimehr leads a DECRA project inspired by human heart pulsation that investigates how controlled flow pulsation can reduce energy consumption in pipelines, aiming to develop practical strategies for more efficient fluid transport in engineered systems. Before joining The University of Queensland, he held research and fellowship positions at the University of Adelaide, as a postdoctoral researcher (2021-2024), and Queensland University of Technology, as a Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow (2024-2025).
Availability
- Dr Navid Freidoonimehr is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Bu-Ali Sina University
- Masters (Coursework) of Mechanical Engineering, Bu-Ali Sina University
- Doctor of Philosophy of Mechanical Engineering, University of Adelaide
Research interests
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Cardiovascular biofluid mechanics
Understanding blood flow in the cardiovascular system is essential for improving diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease. This research investigates coronary haemodynamics in diseased arteries, with emphasis on coronary stenosis (including tandem lesions) and microvascular dysfunction/spasm. The work integrates experimental flow-loop studies with computational modelling to develop clinically meaningful physiological and diagnostic insights.
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Pulsatile and unsteady flow
Many natural and engineered systems operate under unsteady or pulsatile conditions, where flow acceleration and phase effects can change losses and transport mechanisms. This research studies pulsatile flow physics using theory, experiments and numerical modelling. Applications range from coronary haemodynamics to engineered fluid systems where pulsation can be leveraged to improve performance.
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Computational and experimental fluid dynamics
Developing robust models and measurements is central to translating fluid dynamics research into impact. This research focuses on combining computational fluid dynamics, reduced-order modelling, and laboratory experiments to quantify complex flows, validate mechanisms, and generate interpretable metrics that support decision-making in biomedical applications.
Research impacts
My research aims to create practical, clinically relevant tools that help improve cardiovascular diagnosis and patient management, especially in conditions where standard measures can be unreliable or incomplete (e.g., microvascular dysfunction/spasm and tandem coronary stenoses).
How it makes a difference:
- Better diagnostic interpretation: I develop hydrodynamic and resistance-based approaches to quantify coronary microvascular behaviour during provocative spasm testing, supporting clearer assessment of vasomotor dysfunction.
- Improved decision-making for complex lesions: My work on tandem stenoses helps clarify how physiology indices (e.g., pressure-based measures) can be affected by lesion interaction and microvascular resistance, information that can guide intervention strategy and reduce uncertainty.
- Translation through clinician–engineer collaboration: My projects are embedded in interdisciplinary teams with cardiology collaborators, enabling research questions and outputs to stay aligned with real clinical workflows and constraints.
Works
Search Professor Navid Freidoonimehr’s works on UQ eSpace
2013
Journal Article
Entropy generation in steady MHD flow due to a rotating porous disk in a nanofluid
Rashidi, M. M., Abelman, S. and Mehr, N. Freidooni (2013). Entropy generation in steady MHD flow due to a rotating porous disk in a nanofluid. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 62 (1), 515-525. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2013.03.004
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Navid Freidoonimehr is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
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Unsteady turbulence dynamics in pulsatile pipe flow
A fully funded PhD scholarship is available for a domestic student to undertake research in experimental fluid mechanics, with a focus on the physics of turbulent pulsatile pipe flow.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
FUNCTIONAL INVESTIGATION OF CORONARY ARTERIES WITH TANDEM LESIONS
Principal Advisor
Media
Enquiries
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