Dave Constable Email & Phone Number

Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

Lancaster, United Kingdom

My primary research focuses on the numerical modelling of plasma dynamics in the Jovian magnetosphere. I have also collaborated on research relating to modelling of the polar wind at the outer planets, and statistical studies of Energetic Neutral Atoms (ENAs) observed by Cassini during its mission to Saturn. In this role, I have:• Adapted and extensively debugged an existing terrestrial Vlasov code, written in Fortran, with additional physics relevant to outer planet magnetospheres (centrifugal forces, appropriate magnetic field model).• Designed and construction of automated pre-processing and post-processing tools in Python to provide input and output data for the Vlasov code.• Used on a daily basis the Lancaster University High-Performance Computing (HPC) system. I have also provided HPC support for immediate colleagues.• Presented research at various national and international conferences.• Been a member of the local organising committee for the Royal Astronomical Society 2020 National Astronomy Meeting.• Been an active and collaborative member of the research group.

Lancaster, United Kingdom

In this role, my primary research focused on the numerical simulation of high-efficiency klystrons for particle accelerators. I was also responsible for the multipactor analysis of a filter designed for satellite communications. Other research projects have focussed on numerical simulations of frequency multiplying klystrons and a 4th harmonic linearizer cavity for CLARA.• Use of PIC code, MAGIC2-D, to investigate novel high-efficiency klystrons, for RF drivers on large scale particle accelerators.• Establishing an automated routine for klystron cavity tuning in MAGIC2-D using Python.• Construction of automated post-processing tools in Python and Matlab for MAGIC2-D andCST Studio Suite simulations.• Presentation of research at national and international conferences.• Production of regular reports and presentations for collaborators.• Construction of time-stepping model for particle tracking to complement CST Particle Studio simulations of multipactor, implemented in Python.

Kelowna, British Columbia

In this role, I was involved in projects focusing on the RF heating of a variety of loads containing appreciable amounts of water vapour. In this investigation, uniform heating and power transfer efficiency were of prime importance. My duties involved:• Use of Multiphysics solver, COMSOL, to investigate novel microwave applicators, powered by vacuum tube sources and arrays of solid-state sources.• Confirmation of dielectric properties of solutions using “cold” experimental techniques.• Investigation of the effects of phase, operational time, and output power of an array on uniform heating.• Processing and analysis of large volumes of numerical data.• Construction and experimental testing of microwave applicators.• Production of regular reports and presentations for an industrial partner.• Ongoing creation of journal papers highlighting novel microwave applicators, supported by numerical and experimental results.• Creation of research proposals for ongoing research.

Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

In this role, I was responsible for the creation and delivery of semester-long courses in Relativity and Quantum Physics (PHYS 200 - 2013) and Electricity and Magnetism (PHYS 225 - 2014), for groups of up 30-45 students, at a second-year physics level. Courses consisted of three 1 hour lectures per week, 1-hour tutorial sessions, weekly assignments and periodic examinations. These classes were evaluated by peer and student evaluations.

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

This short term project focussed on the corroboration of numerical and experimental results of high power microwave devices, published in peer-reviewed journals. The main aspects of this role were:• Identification of experimental parameters and modelling methods from journal papers.• Use of particle-in-cell code, KARAT, to create a numerical model of the investigated device.• Systematic numerical modelling approach to obtain performance quoted in literature.• Use of mathematical tools for processing and analysis of large amounts of data.• Periodic creation of formal reports and presentations for industrial sponsors.• Experience of working in a “hot” experimental environment, including construction, maintenance and operation of high voltage experiments.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Physics, Pass

My studies focussed on the numerical modelling of gyro-multiplier schemes, for the generation of high harmonic, high power, coherent RF.

Master Of Science (Msc), High Power Radio Frequency Science & Engineering, Distinction

Master In Science (Msci), Physics, Second Class Honours (Upper Band)