Post Doctorate, University of Sydney, Australia
Dr. Andrew Macfarlane is an accomplished mechanical engineer and combustion researcher based at the University of Sydney. With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and over a decade of expertise in experimental diagnostics, laser-based measurements, and numerical simulations, Dr. Macfarlane has contributed significantly to the understanding of autoignition, flame dynamics, and clean fuel combustion. He is a highly skilled experimentalist and educator, recognized for his innovation in laboratory design, analytical acumen, and mentorship. His work spans cutting-edge research on hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels, placing him at the forefront of sustainable energy technologies. 🔬🔥🌏
🔹 Professional Profile
ORCID
🏆 Strengths for the Award
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Outstanding Technical Expertise
Dr. Macfarlane has developed exceptional capabilities in experimental combustion diagnostics, including advanced laser-based measurement techniques (PLIF, LIF, Raman/Rayleigh) and high-speed imaging. His hands-on skills, proficiency in LabVIEW, and use of state-of-the-art instruments showcase his ability to execute sophisticated experiments independently.
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Diverse and Impactful Research Projects
His postdoctoral work at the University of Sydney spans cutting-edge combustion research involving alternative fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels, as well as battery thermal runaway, contributing to energy safety and decarbonization—key global priorities.
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Multidisciplinary Skillset
He blends deep mechanical engineering fundamentals with computational modeling (Cantera, OpenFOAM) and data analysis using Python/Matlab. His work integrates experimental, analytical, and computational techniques, adding robust value across research domains.
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Strong Publication Record & Recognition
Dr. Macfarlane has authored 8 academic publications and presented at 5 conferences, highlighting his scholarly output. Winning the Best Student Paper Award at the Australian Combustion Symposium 2017 is a testament to the quality and impact of his contributions.
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Leadership & Mentorship
His experience tutoring and supervising honors and PhD students shows his commitment to academic leadership and future researcher development, aligning well with the spirit of a Best Researcher Award.
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Commitment to Safety and Innovation
His proactive approach to hydrogen safety protocols and instrument interface upgrades reflects innovation, risk awareness, and operational excellence—essential traits in experimental science.
🎓 Education
Dr. Macfarlane began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from 2010 to 2014, graduating with First Class Honours. His passion for fluid dynamics and thermochemical processes led him to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2015–2019) at the University of Sydney, specializing in experimental combustion. His doctoral research focused on the effect of turbulence on autoignition using a custom-designed H₂/air coflow burner. His PhD involved sophisticated diagnostics, such as laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), high-speed imaging, and acoustic analysis, coupled with advanced computational modeling to study ignition delay times, extinction strain rates, and species sensitivity. 📘🧪💡
💼 Experience
Since 2020, Dr. Macfarlane has served as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Sydney, spearheading experimental and computational projects in the combustion field. His projects include Raman/Rayleigh line diagnostics on methane/hydrogen/ammonia flames, high-pressure diagnostics (up to 5 atm), PLIF imaging (CH, OH, CH₂O, CN, NH) at frequencies up to 10 kHz, and advanced autoignition studies for various fuels. He has conducted thermal runaway experiments on lithium-ion batteries and OH thermometry on PMMA plastics, showcasing his interdisciplinary breadth. 🧯🔍🧑🔬
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Macfarlane’s research centers on understanding combustion dynamics through experimental and numerical methods. He focuses on low-carbon and carbon-neutral fuels, including hydrogen, ammonia, dimethyl ether (DME), oxymethylene ethers (OME), ethanol, and methanol. His work includes developing new diagnostic systems, performing non-intrusive optical measurements, and studying flame behavior in turbulent and high-pressure regimes. He is especially known for redesigning and operating complex experimental systems and safety protocols, particularly for hydrogen-based fuels. His numerical research applies 1D modeling to explore flame speed, extinction limits, and ignition kinetics. His commitment to decarbonized energy systems drives his impactful and relevant work in sustainable combustion. 🌱🧪💨
🏆 Awards
Dr. Macfarlane was awarded the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) for the duration of his PhD from 2014 to 2018. He also received a scholarship from the Sydney University Combustion Group. His technical excellence and innovative research earned him the Best Student Paper Award at the Australian Combustion Symposium in 2017, a testament to the quality and originality of his work. 🥇📜👏
📚 Publications Top Notes
Raman-Rayleigh and LIF-OH Measurements in Turbulent H₂/N₂ Flames with and without Compositional Inhomogeneity
Journal: Combustion and Flame
Authors: A.R.W. Macfarlane, H. Tang, M.J. Dunn, G. Magnotti, A.R. Masri
DOI: 10.1016/j.combustflame.2025.114338
Summary: This study investigates the effect of compositional inhomogeneity on turbulent hydrogen/nitrogen (H₂/N₂) flames using Raman-Rayleigh scattering and laser-induced fluorescence of hydroxyl (LIF-OH). The research was conducted in a controlled laboratory environment using a specially designed burner system to generate both homogeneous and inhomogeneous inlet conditions. By applying non-intrusive optical diagnostics, the authors captured detailed scalar fields such as temperature, major species concentration, and reaction zone structure.
Towards Understanding the Improvement in Stability for Fuels with Inhomogeneous Inlets
Journal: Combustion Science and Technology
Authors: A.R.W. Macfarlane, M.J. Dunn, A.R. Masri
DOI: 10.1080/00102202.2023.2239464
Summary: In this paper, the authors examine the stabilizing effect of compositional inhomogeneities at the inlet of premixed flames, particularly focusing on hydrogen-rich fuels. The study uses a combined experimental and theoretical approach to assess how variations in local equivalence ratios and turbulence levels affect flame stability and structure.
📌 Conclusion
Dr. Andrew Macfarlane is an outstanding candidate for any prestigious research award in mechanical engineering or energy sciences. His strong foundation in experimental design, laser diagnostics, and computational modeling—combined with his deep commitment to sustainable fuel research—sets him apart as a leader in the field. Beyond technical prowess, he is an inspiring educator and mentor, known for his meticulous approach, problem-solving skills, and collaborative spirit. As the world pivots towards greener energy systems, Dr. Macfarlane’s work on hydrogen and biofuel combustion stands as both timely and transformative. 🌐💡🧑🎓