Dr Fabrizio Bonatesta

Reader in Thermofluids

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Role

Dr Bonatesta graduated with a PhD in engine research from Nottingham University, UK, and between 2006 and 2008 worked as a Research Fellow for the Engine Research Group there. Between 2008 and 2010 Dr Bonatesta worked as a Senior R&D Engineer at Eminox Ltd, in charge of the CFD function which provided support in the design and optimisation of after-treatment technologies for OEM HD diesel engines. Since 2010, Dr Bonatesta is a permanent member of academic staff at Oxford Brookes University.

Teaching and supervision

Courses

Modules taught

Dr Bonatesta is currently Module Leader for:

  • Thermo-fluids (MEng/BEng)
  • Motorsport Engine Technology (BSc)

He also teaches on:

  • Automotive Engines (MEng/BEng)

Dr Bonatesta teaches mostly undergraduate students in the area of Thermodynamics and Internal Combustion Engines

Research

Dr Bonatesta’s research work has steadily focussed on experimental and numerical modelling activities for combustion optimisation and emissions reduction in both gasoline and diesel engines. His agenda at OBU concentrates mostly on Particulate Matter mechanisms and engine-out emissions in modern GDI engines. He has acquired extensive expertise in reactive flow modelling of engine cycles using both commercial and open-source CFD software.

At OBU, Dr Bonatesta has established a prospering research group, which works in collaboration with Ford Motor Company and CD-Adapco/Siemens for the optimisation of combustion and soot modelling capabilities. Other active research collaborations include the Soot Diagnostics Suite at the University of Nottingham, UK and the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering at Loughborough University. Since December 2015, he is a Visiting Research Fellow at NUMC (Nottingham University Malaysia Campus).

Dr Bonatesta is also supporting the successful development of pan-disciplinary research activities in the area of sustainable, energy-efficient heating systems for buildings, in collaboration with OISD, the Architectural Engineering Research Group, School of Architecture, OBU. Main focus of interest has been 3D CFD modelling and optimisation of Transpired Solar Collector systems.

Research grants

  • APC6 DynAMO – Dynamic Analysis Modelling and Optimisation of GDI engines. R&D project co-sponsored by the Advanced Propulsion Centre – APC6 Call. In collaboration with Ford Motor Company (Project Lead), Loughborough University, Bath University, Siemens CDA, Hartree Centre, Cambustion, DE&TC. Total project value: £22M; Project value for Oxford Brookes: £1.35M.
  • Dr Bonatesta has also been the recipient of two Central Research Funds Awards (2013-14 and 2014-15) and two Research Excellence Awards (2015-16 and 2016-17).

Centres and institutes

Groups

Projects

  • 3D Modelling of Pollutant Dispersion and Exposure – TRANSITION Clean Air Network
  • DYNamic Analysis Modelling and Optimisation of GDI Engines (DYNAMO) – APC6

Publications

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