I have been a scientific researcher for over fifteen years, working in institutes and universities in the USA, UK and Germany. My research has concentrated on the modelling, analysis and numerical simulation of complex physical phenomena, mainly from problems arising in fluid mechanics.

A central feature of my research has been the analysis and numerical treatment of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations (compressible/incompressible Navier-Stokes; boundary-layer equations; elasticity equations). A wide range of mathematical methods and numerical procedures have hereby been implemented along with various data-processing techniques: linear algebra; asymptotic/numerical Fourier stability analysis; differential geometry; analytical investigation of the existence, uniqueness and asymptotic behaviour of solutions (in Banach spaces); 2- and 3-dimensional numerical simulation (including visualisation); scientific computing; 2- and 3-dimensional grid/mesh generation; programming in C, C++ and FORTRAN.

From 1988 to 1995 I studied high-Reynolds number flows (fast flows), mainly for problems in aerodynamics. Finite-difference numerical techniques were applied in conjunction with asymptotic analysis to examine certain critical aspects of the flow behaviour; in particular, linear and non-linear instabilities and transitions of boundary layers, shear layers and shock layers were addressed.

I worked on problems in marine hydrodynamic analysis until 1999. The main task here was to design and implement a finite-element code capable of simulating 2-dimensional (later 3-dimensional) free-surface unsteady flow past an offshore structure.

I have worked in Germany since May 1999, where my research has mostly addressed fluid mechanical properties of semiconductor crystal growth. I have played a leading role in several collaborative projects with industry, the results of which have directly influenced crystal production at the Institute for Crystal Growth (IKZ) in Berlin. The two most well-known methods for crystal growth from melt - the floating-zone technique and the Czochralski technique - were mathematically modelled and numerically solved via a finite-element procedure. A thorough and detailed analysis of instability properties (associated with transition to unsteady 3D flow from an axisymmetric steady state), including weakly-nonlinear mode interaction, was made in both cases. Detailed summaries of both projects can be viewed here and here resp. Furthermore, videos are available to view in the latter case (depicting spatially-periodic and (subsequent) asymmetric flow/thermal solutions.) The finite-element solver was generic and modular in structure as well as being very robust, and consequently it could be applied successfully (after minimal modification) to problems arising in the field of (elastic) steel deformation.

Further details of my research can be found in my curriculum vitae and publication list.