Fabrizio BonatestaView profile
Senior Lecturer
Fabrizio Bonatesta is a Reader in Thermofluids at Oxford Brookes University, affiliated with the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics. He holds a PhD from the University of Nottingham and has been a permanent academic staff member at Oxford Brookes since 2010. His research and teaching focus on thermofluids, internal combustion engines, and emissions reduction, with strong collaborations with Ford, Siemens, and other UK universities. Educational Background: PhD in Engine Research, University of Nottingham, UK Research Interests: Fabrizio Bonatesta's research centers on experimental and numerical modeling of combustion and emissions in gasoline and diesel engines, particularly focusing on particulate matter in modern GDI engines. He has extensive expertise in reactive flow and CFD modeling using commercial and open-source software. His work also extends to sustainable energy systems, including 3D CFD modeling of transpired solar collectors for energy-efficient building heating. His research group, Propulsion and Pollution Modelling (PPM), actively collaborates with Ford, Siemens, Loughborough University, and the University of Nottingham. Recent Research Trends: His recent publications (2015–2024) highlight a strong trajectory in CFD-based modeling of fuel injection, combustion, and soot formation in GDI engines, alongside interdisciplinary work on urban pollutant dispersion and solar thermal systems. The integration of chemical kinetics with CFD and the focus on real-world emission reduction strategies are recurring themes. Scientific Awards: Central Research Funds Award (2013-14) Central Research Funds Award (2014-15) Research Excellence Award (2015-16) Research Excellence Award (2016-17) Research Leadership and Grants: Dr Bonatesta leads significant research projects, including the APC6 DynAMO project (co-sponsored by the Advanced Propulsion Centre, £22M total, £1.35M to Brookes) with Ford, Loughborough, Bath, Siemens, and others. He is also Principal Investigator on the 'Cavendish' project (Innovate UK) developing zero-CO2 hydrogen combustion systems for heavy-duty transport. His sustained funding from internal and external sources reflects the impact and relevance of his work. Research Groups and Labs: He leads the Propulsion and Pollution Modelling (PPM) research group at Oxford Brookes and is affiliated with the Centre for AI, Culture and Society (CAICS). His lab conducts advanced CFD simulations and experimental work in collaboration with industry and academic partners. He also supports interdisciplinary research with the Architectural Engineering Research Group on sustainable heating technologies.







