Ugo Piomelli

Ugo Piomelli is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Queen's University (since 2008). He holds the Tier I Canada Research Chair in Turbulence Simulation and Modelling (2008-2022) and previously held the HPCVL-Sun Microsystems Chair in Computational Science and Engineering (2008-2015). His academic career includes positions at the University of Maryland (Professor 2000-2008, Associate Professor 1993, Assistant Professor 1987-1993). He is a Fellow of multiple prestigious societies: Royal Society of Canada (2015), American Physical Society (2002), American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (2004), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (2009), and Canadian Academy of Engineering (2021).

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Stanford University, 1988)
• MASc in Aerospace Engineering (University of Notre Dame, 1984)
• Dr. Ing. in Aerospace Engineering (Università degli Studi di Napoli, 1979)

His research focuses on turbulence modeling, large eddy simulation (LES), geophysical flows, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with applications to rough-wall boundary layers, flow separation, and environmental/hydroelectric systems. Recent work explores resolvent-based wall models, scalar transport over rough surfaces, and unsteady boundary layer dynamics under variable freestream conditions.

Scientific awards include: Fellow of the American Physical Society (2002), Associate Fellow of AIAA (2004), Fellow of ASME (2009), Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2015), and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (2021).

Key contributions include: 2023-2025 studies on LES wall models using resolvent analysis, roughness effects in boundary layers, and scalar transport dynamics. Earlier work (2013-2022) examines turbulence structures in dunes, rotating channel flows, and erosion-rate modeling for sediment transport.

He operates the Turbulence Modelling and Simulation Laboratory, advancing numerical frameworks for complex flows and mentoring graduate students. His research has been supported by NATO-AVT349 for naval applications and collaborations in hydroelectric/hydraulic engineering.