Dr Jefferson Gomes

Biography

• Senior Lecturer in Engineering, University of Aberdeen (2023-today);
• Lecturer in Engineering, University of Aberdeen (2012-2023);
• Visiting Academic, Instituto Federal Fluminense (Brazil, 2020-today);
• Visiting Academic, Imperial College London (2013-today); 
• Visiting Academic, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil, 2005-today);
• Research Fellow, Imperial College London (2010-2012);
• Research Associate,  Imperial College London (2006-2010);
• PhD, Imperial College London (2004);
• MSc, State University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil, 1999);
• BSc in Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil, 1996).

Research Overview

My research focuses on computational multi-fluid dynamics (CMFD) and multi-physics modelling, leveraging advanced numerical techniques such as finite element methods (FEM) and self-adaptive algorithms. I specialise in computational optimisation, predictive modelling—including machine learning and model reduction—and their applications in geophysical systems. My work is driven by a strong interest in addressing challenges in energy technologies, environmental hazards, and engineering systems involving single- and multiphase flows. Through these efforts, I aim to develop innovative solutions that bridge theoretical advancements with real-world applications.

Current Research

• Self-adaptive computational methods;
• Multiphase compositional porous media flow (reservoir simulation);
• Safety assessment for nuclear systems (severe accident modelling);
• Predictive methods (reduced-order models and data assimilation);
• AI technologies (machine-learning algorithms).

Past Research

• Development of a CV-FEM based multi-fluid dynamics model for porous media flows;
• Numerical investigation of risk assessment in GEN4 nuclear reactors;
• Development of coupled multiphase and radiation-transport models;
• Modelling heat and multiphase flows in circular fluidised beds;
• FEM-based methods for granular fluidisation models;

Knowledge Exchange

•  Current:
  • Innovate UK (2025-27)
  • Innovate UK (2023-25)
• Past:
  • Design and Optimisation of Stirling Engines for Waste Heat (Interface UK, 2021-22);
  • Development of coupled multi-fluid and neutron-transport models for design of a reactor to produce  medical-isotope (B&W, 2010);
  • Design and Optimisation of Decanter (BP, 2009);
  • Risk Analysis and Assessment of MOX Nuclear Fuel Production (JAEA, 2005-06);
  • Risk Assessment in Underground Nuclear Waste Repositories during Postulated Accidents (NDA,2005-08); 
  • Design and Optimisation of Heat Exchangers in TDN Reactors (BNFL, 2002).

KTP and projects with industry have led to +30 technical reports.

Collaborations

• Applied Modelling and Computation Group (AMCG), Imperial College London;
• Petroleum Engineering & Rock Mechanics Group (PERM), Imperial College London;
• Professor Su Jian, Nuclear Engineering Department, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil);
• Professor Francisco B S Oliveira, Computational Modelling in Sciences and Technologies Research Group (PPGMC), State University of Santa Cruz (Brazil);
• Professors Jader Lugon and Antonio Silva Neto, Environmental Modelling & Technology Applied to Water Resources Research Group (AmbHidro), Fluminense Federal Institute (Brazil). 

Funding and Grants

• Gas-Jet Design and Optimisation for Underwater Laser Cutting (KTP, 2023-25), Principal Investigator;
• Molecular Basis of Advanced Nuclear Fuel Separations (MBase):  Criticality and Fission in the Solution State (EPSRC, 2010-13), Co-Investigator;
• Thermohydraulics for Innovative Nuclear Systems (THINS): Development of Novel Discretisation Methods for Multiphase Flows (EU-FP7, 2010-14), Co-Iinvestigator;
• Gas-Fast Reactors (GoFastR): Modelling and Simulation of Core-Melting in PWR (EU-FP7, 2010-13), Co-Investigator;
• Technology Proof of Concept: Computational Framework for Multi-Scale Environmental Modelling (NERC, 2010-12), Co-Investigator;
• Follow-on Fund: Realising the Commercial Potential of the Multi-Physics and Multi-Scale FETCH Technology for Nuclear Safety Applications (EPSRC, 2010-11), Co-Investigator; 
• Energy Grant: Numerical Investigation of Biomass Gasification (Brazilian CNPq, 2006-7), Co-Investigator.

Teaching Responsibilities

Postgraduate Courses

1. Computational Fluid Dynamics (EG501V/3G): 2015-today
2. Oil and Gas Chemistry (EG551LEG552L): 2019-2024;
3. Geothermal and Hydro Energies (EG503A/EG503B):2018-2020;
4. Renewable Energy: Geothermal and Solar  (EG501J): 2014-2018;
   
5. Energy Technologies (EG5066): 2013.

Undergraduate Courses

1. Chemical Thermodynamics (EX3029): 2014-today;
   
2. Computational Fluid Dynamics (EG501V): 2015-today;
3. Process Engineering (EG2011/EG20G2): 2020-today;
4. Conservation of Heat, Mass and Momentum (EX3030/EM40JN): 2016-2020;
5. Air and Water Pollution Control EG501U): 2018;
6. Engineering Thermodynamics (EG3521): 2013-2015;
7. Advances in Chemical Engineering (EG5597): 2014-2015.