From Grid Dependence to Predictive CFD–DEM: Modelling Fluid–Particle Forces Consistently

Berend van Wachem is Professor of Mechanical Process Engineering at Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg and an internationally recognised expert in multiphase flows and computational fluid dynamics. After earning his PhD in Applied Physics from Delft University of Technology, he held academic positions in the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Germany. His research focuses on developing advanced numerical methods for particle-laden and other complex flows, bridging fundamental fluid mechanics with applications in process engineering and industry. He has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed journal publications, supervised numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and serves as editor and advisory-board member for leading scientific journals in fluid mechanics.

Particle Processing for Space Resource Utilisation

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From Particles to Performance: Sustainable Battery Manufacturing

Sabrina Zellmer is Professor of Battery and Fuel Cell Process Technologies at Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute for Particle Technology (iPAT). She is also Deputy Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST in Braunschweig and Head of its Department Sustainable Battery and Hydrogen Systems. Her scientific expertise includes the production and resynthesis of functional materials for batteries and fuel cells, the production of battery and fuel-cell components, and the development of recyclable energy storage systems and associated factory concepts. Her work also covers hydrogen technologies as well as economic and environmental assessments.

Discrete and Continuum Modelling of Granular Materials

Corné Coetzee is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stellenbosch University. His research focuses on the numerical modelling of granular materials, with applications in the mining, agricultural and geotechnical sectors, using both discrete and continuum-based methods. His work on the Discrete Element Method (DEM) includes the development of laboratory equipment and methodologies for calibrating models of both non-cohesive and cohesive materials, as well as the validation of DEM models. His research on continuum-based methods centres on the development of the meshless Material Point Method (MPM) and its coupling with mesh-based methods, including the Finite Volume Method (FVM). While MPM is widely used to model large-deformation problems in geotechnical engineering, his current research investigates its potential as an alternative to DEM for modelling bulk materials handling processes, with a particular focus on understanding the respective advantages and limitations of these approaches.

Translating Bulk Solids Handling Research into Industrial Applications

Craig Wheeler is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Newcastle and Director of the Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies. His work focuses on improving the design and operation of bulk material transportation systems for the global mining industry through innovations that improve energy efficiency, reliability and sustainability. Over a career spanning more than three decades across academia and industry, he has a strong focus on industry engagement and technology commercialisation, with innovations deployed across major mining and bulk materials handling operations worldwide. He currently holds a four-year Australian Research Council Industry Fellowship focused on advancing next-generation bulk material transport technologies. He has supervised numerous doctoral candidates, delivered professional development programs to engineering practitioners across several continents, and held several research leadership roles within the University of Newcastle.