Professor Sylvester Abanteriba

Research

My research in the Propulsion area is directed towards improving the efficiency of propulsive systems in the cases of automotive, power generation, aircraft and rocket applications. The imperative requirements of emissions reduction and environmentally friendly systems necessitate the propulsive systems operate with optimum efficiency. For automotive application the overall efficiency of the petrol engine still lingers in the 20% range. In the case of the gas turbine engine without co-generation efficiencies are also unfortunately very low. There is therefore the need to improve the efficiency of these Propulsive systems to achieve significant reduction in emissions and reduce adverse impact on the environment. My research which covers a wide domain of propulsion systems is summarised below:

• Analysis of the Tribology of internal combustion engines
• Conventional and alternative and renewable fuels
• Aviation fuels-Thermal stability of aviation fuels
• Ceramics: Thermal barrier coatings for gas turbine hot sections
• Development of design and Analysis Tools for Turbomachinery
• The Numerical and Experimental Study of Aeroacoustic Noise of Motor Vehicle Alternators
• Design and 3-dimensional Aerodynamic analysis of intake manifolds of piston engines
• Development of experimental methods and Numerical modelling of injection systems
• Rocket nozzle flow and geometry analysis
• Vehicle Safety
• Wear Debris Analysis

Industry Grants obtained are summarised below

• 2000/2004 Development of design and Performance Analysis tool for a family of Centrifugal Compressor volutes. TRANE Grant
• 2003/2007 Development of Hydro-erosion model using a Semi-Empirical Method Coupled with an Euler Approach: Robert Bosch Grant
• 2003/2007 Numerical and Experimental Study of Aeroacoustic Noise of Motor Vehicle alternators: Robert Bosch Grant
• 2003/2007 Evaluation of the effects of improved frontal compatibility on front-to-side vehicle collisions: Volkswagen Grant
• 2011/2013 Thermal Simulations for dynamic Driving Profiles: BMW Grant
• 2008/2012 Experimental and numerical study of Gasoline direct injection Primary Break up: Robert Bosch Grant.

Accomplishments and achievements

• Carrick Institute Citation for outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Student Learning (2007)
• Awarded Certificate of recognition for outstanding Service to RMIT University as Founder and Director of the RMIT International Industry Experience and Research Program (2005)
• Awarded Certificate of Appreciation for valued services in advancing the Engineering Profession by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (2001)
• Awarded status of Ambassador of Business Events Sydney (2010)
• Awarded Ralph McIntosh Medal for outstanding service to students (2012)

Reviewer of major international Journals

• Journal of Power and Energy
• Journal of Aerospace Engineering
• Journal of Engineering Tribology
• Journal of Mechanical Engineering Sciences
• Journal of Automobile Engineering
• Journal of Procedia Engineering
• International Journal of Thermal Sciences

Reviewer of Books in Propulsion Systems for (i) Wiley and Sons and (ii) Cambridge University Press.

Professor Sylvester Abanteriba

• Doctor of Engineering (PhD), Univ, Hannover, Germany, 1991
• MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Univ Timisoara, 1981

Employment history

• 2005 - present, Professor of Propulsion Systems, School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
• 2000-2004 Associate Professor
• 2000 - 2012, Founder and of Director of RMIT International Industry Experience and Research Program, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
• 1994-1999, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, RMIT. Course leader of the Aerospace Engineering and Business Administration Course
• Director Faculty of Engineering International Industry Experience Program
• 1992-1994 Lecturer, Department of Aerospace Engineering
• Coordinator of the Aerospace Engineering and Business Administration Course
• Coordinator and founder of Aerospace Engineering Industry Experience Program
• Postgraduate Research Coordinator, Department of Aerospace Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
• Coordinator of the Commercial activities of Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre for Aerospace Design, Department of Aerospace Engineering.
• 1984 - 1991, Research Engineer, Institute of Internal Combustion Engines, University of Hannover, Germany
• 1988-1991, Internal Combustion Engine Tribology Consultant for Clients in the German Engine building industry.
• 1981-1982, Lauermann Engineering-Design Engineer, Hannover Germany.

Affiliations / Professional memberships

• Fellow of the International Energy Foundation (IEF)
• Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Energy Foundation
• Member of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• Chair of Fluid Power sessions of ASME fluid conference
• Member of the Society of Tribologist and Lubrication Engineers
• Member of Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW)
• Member of European Society of Engineering Education
• Member of Academic Cooperation Association

Committee memberships

• Member of the board of Directors of the IEF
• Member of RMIT University Discipline Board
• Member of RMIT Community of Scholars
• Member of the European Union Centre Reference Group
• Past Member of RMIT Academic Board
• Past member of Faculty of Engineering research Committee
• Past Member of RMIT Research Graduate Students Committee

Selected Publications