Center for Turbulence Research (CTR)Supported by the Fulbright Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Profile: https://www.marei.ie/people/brian-hand/A highly experienced Research and Test Engineer working on multi-partner projects in Renewable Energy. I am solution-focused and use my expertise in engineering and technology to assist and support collaborators and customers. My result-oriented and resourceful nature facilitates project progress and timely actions to assure task completion and client satisfaction. I have worked on the following research projects with industrial partners:• EU TAOIDE: Increased the reliability, performance and availability of tidal energy Power Take-Off systems. Collaborated with industry partners Ocean Renewable Power Company Ltd., SKF Marine and Fraunhofer IWES (see http://www.taoide.eu/).• EU FLOTEC: Worked with the developer Orbital Marine Power Ltd. to study the influence of flow turbulence intensity on their tidal turbine rotor power efficiency using acoustic Doppler technology (see https://orbitalmarine.com/flotec/).• LIR National Ocean Test Facility: Performed wave tank testing of floating wind turbine platforms, wave reflection analysis, calibration, quality assurance and repeatability tests. The facilities at Lir include four wave tanks that can replicate real ocean conditions and enable testing of various marine innovations, technologies and structures at different scales. (see: http://www.lir-notf.com/).

• Provided personalised grinds to Leaving Certificate and undergraduate students preparing for exams.• Explained complex concepts in mathematics and physics to students in a clear and concise manner.• Graded student work and provided feedback. Identified revision strategies and content discussion.

• Teaching assistant for undergraduate modules; Thermofluids, Fluid Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics and Material Science.• Part-time lecturing of Masters in Mechanical Engineering (level 9) Computational Solid Modelling module.• Preparation and delivery of lectures, tutorials, project supervision and assessment responsibilities.• Provided personalised grinds to both individual and student groups on various engineering subjects.• Developed effective pedagogical and communication skills.

• Mentored several undergraduate final year project students and three postgraduate project students.• Helped students develop independent research projects, gain technical skills, analyse data, interpret andpresent their results.• Communicated complex and conceptual ideas to students using high-level skills and range of media.• Held one-to-one meetings with students to discuss project work development and planning future work.• Provided constructive feedback and leadership to students in order to meet project goals.

• Represented CIT at various events (e.g. Engineers Week, SciFest) aimed at secondary school students.• This role involved answering queries about CIT engineering courses and giving guided campus tours.• Worked in a team environment to ensure the successful organisation and presentation of STEM events.• Engaged and interacted with prospective students to consider future opportunities in STEM disciplines.

• Demonstrated experiments and supervised practicals for up to 30 undergraduate students.• Supervised and instructed students in Engineering Mechanics and Thermofluids.• Emphasised the importance of keeping complete and accurate scientific notes.• Motivated and encouraged students and stimulated learning through practical experience.• Oversaw student laboratory performance, graded student lab reports and provided summative feedback.

• Member of the MeSSO Research Team in the aerodynamic design of a 5 MW vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT).• Developed an unsteady Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model for large-scale VAWT aerodynamics.• Created a low-order model for the rapid calculation of VAWT aerodynamic performance.• Introduced a method to compute dynamic stall model inputs using CFD and overcome model limitations.• Developed an analytical design tool for the structural design and analysis of composite VAWT blade structures.• Completed the first detailed 3D CFD study of large-scale VAWT aerodynamics and flow field physics.• High-performance computing was utilised in conjunction with the Irish Centre for High-End Computing.• Collaborated with international researchers in the VAWT stall regulation design and control system aspects.• Developed extensive analysis skills using CFD, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and mathematical programming. • Finalist in the International ANSYS Hall of Fame Competition representing CIT (top 20 in the world), 2019.

• Undertook R&D project which examined the effects of dynamic wind loads on Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes.• Steady flow CFD models were developed to simulate the airflow around critical sections of the STS crane.• Physical scale model generation and wind tunnel testing were undertaken to validate the CFD model results.• The CFD approach was found to be an optimal analysis method and allowed more informed design decisions to be made.• The crane storm anchor system was optimised using FEA and testing to provide a more functional design.• Finalist in the Engineers Ireland Innovative Student of the Year competition sponsored by Siemens.

• Liebherr Group designs and manufactures an extensive range of maritime cranes for customers worldwide.• Worked as part of a team on design projects and plans with engineers and technicians.• Responsible for the conception and design of parts used in the manufacture of cranes and auxiliary products.• Performed design calculations in accordance with standards and ensured quality was implemented.• Liaised with colleagues to ensure designs produced are current and conform to Liebherr standards.• Consistently worked to strict project deadlines and attended meetings when required.

• Worked as part of a team on construction projects and plans with the engineers and architects.• Questioned engineers about aspects of their designs such as their function ability and user expectations.• Created Excel spreadsheets from site data and developed engineering drawings using AutoCAD.