Harald Kleine

Associate Professor Harald Kleine is a distinguished researcher at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra within the School of Engineering & Technology. With expertise spanning mechanical and aeronautical engineering, his work focuses on advanced optical systems for visualizing high-speed gas flows in shock tubes and wind tunnels. His academic journey includes postdoctoral work at McGill University, industry experience at Med-Eng Systems, leadership of the Gas Dynamics Laboratory at Tohoku University, and his current position at UNSW where he has established a high-speed flows laboratory.

Dr. Kleine's research interests center on density-sensitive flow visualization techniques and their application to shock wave phenomena. His work particularly emphasizes time-resolved visualization methods for studying unsteady shock wave reflection, focusing, and interaction phenomena, as well as the physics of blast waves and exterior ballistics. His publications reveal a consistent research trajectory spanning decades with recent work expanding into wildfire physics, advanced optical diagnostics, and fluid-structure interaction measurements.

Analysis of his recent publications (2018-2025) shows a strong focus on optical measurement techniques for high-speed flows, with particular emphasis on Schlieren imaging, shadowgraphy, and laser-based diagnostics. His work bridges fundamental shock wave physics with practical applications in aerospace engineering, defense technology, and fire science. The research demonstrates increasing sophistication in time-resolved measurement capabilities and expanding interdisciplinary applications.

As an active researcher with publications through 2025, Dr. Kleine continues to contribute significantly to the field of high-speed flow visualization and shock wave research. His laboratory at UNSW Canberra serves as a center for advanced experimental work in gas dynamics, training the next generation of researchers in sophisticated optical measurement techniques while advancing fundamental understanding of complex compressible flow phenomena.