Brian G Thomas

Brian G. Thomas is a Research Professor and C. J. Gauthier Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Science & Engineering within The Grainger College of Engineering. He concurrently holds a position as Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines and is an Adjunct Professor at POSTECH, South Korea. His roles include Director of the Continuous Casting Consortium (CCC), a collaborative industry-focused research initiative.

He earned a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Process Engineering from the University of British Columbia (1985), a B.Eng. in Metallurgical Engineering from McGill University (1979), and a D.E.C. in Pure and Applied Science from John Abbott College (1976). His research focuses on computational modeling of continuous casting of steel, encompassing fluid flow, heat transfer, solidification, and defect formation mechanisms. Key contributions include developing tools like CON1D and CON2D for simulating casting processes and advancing real-time control systems like CONONLINE for thin-slab casting.

His work bridges fundamental science and industrial applications, addressing challenges such as inclusion entrapment, grade transitions, and crack formation in steel slabs. Recent publications (2023-2024) emphasize multi-scale modeling of segregation phenomena, optimization of production schedules, and stopper-rod system dynamics. Awards include Honorary Membership in AIME (2024) and lifetime recognition as a top scholar in continuous casting (ScholarGPS).

Prof. Thomas’s advisory roles include Vice President of the J.K. Brimacombe Society and membership in professional societies like TMS and ASME. He has received teaching accolades, including multiple recognitions as an excellent instructor by UIUC students. His patents include a spray-cooling control system for continuous casting and processes for high-quality steel production.