معرفی
Dr. Tamara Sopek serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, The University of Queensland. Her research specializes in experimental hypersonics, propulsion systems, and advanced diagnostics for high-enthalpy flows.
Her academic credentials include:
- Masters (Coursework) of Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Zagreb
- Masters (Research) of Aerospace Engineering from the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Queensland (2018)
Dr. Sopek's research integrates hypersonic flow physics, scramjet combustion, and optical measurement techniques to address challenges in atmospheric entry and propulsion. She pioneers methods like thermally assisted laser-induced fluorescence (TA-LIF) for temperature mapping in scramjet combustors and investigates radiative heat transfer during planetary entry. Her work directly supports spacecraft thermal protection system development through facilities like the T6 Stalker Tunnel.
Analysis of her 13 publications (2014-2024) reveals three dominant research threads: (1) Non-equilibrium effects in shock tunnels and planetary entry flows, (2) Advanced optical diagnostics for high-speed combustion, and (3) Facility development for gas giant and ice giant entry simulation. These studies collectively advance hypersonic testing capabilities for deep space exploration missions.
She actively contributes to the Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing research group and Hypersonics theme at UQ, operating major facilities including the T6 Free-Piston Driven Wind Tunnel and collaborating with international teams on NASA and ESA-related entry probe projects.
Dr. Sopek is available for supervision of graduate students in experimental aerospace engineering, particularly in hypersonics diagnostics and propulsion testing.
