Byrenn Birch

Dr Byrenn Birch is a Senior Lecturer in Thermofluids Engineering at the School of Engineering, University of Southern Queensland. He holds a BEng and PhD from USQ. His research focuses on hypersonic propulsion, aerothermodynamics, and hypersonic wind tunnel technology. Birch is affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences and has contributed to major projects like the Australian Airborne Observation of Hayabusa2 reentry.

His research interests emphasize experimental and computational analysis of hypersonic flows, spacecraft reentry dynamics, and advanced thermal protection systems. Key projects include optical tracking of hypersonic free-flight, Bayesian state estimation techniques, and shock layer radiation analysis of returning spacecraft.

Birch teaches ENG1100 Introduction to Engineering Design, MEC2402 Stress Analysis, and MEC4104 Renewable Energy Technology. With over 3,799 research outputs viewed and 1,198 downloads, his work bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with aerospace applications. His recent publications (2020–2025) explore hypersonic facility design, reentry spectroscopy, and transient heat flux measurement innovations.

Notable contributions include developing heated barrel modes for Ludwieg tubes and improving surface temperature identification methods for sample return capsules. Birch collaborates extensively with international space agencies and maintains an ORCID profile (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0625-2455).