Dr Bonatesta’s research work has steadily focussed on experimental and numerical modelling activities for combustion optimisation and emissions reduction in both gasoline and diesel engines. His agenda at OBU concentrates mostly on Particulate Matter mechanisms and engine-out emissions in modern GDI engines. He has acquired extensive expertise in reactive flow modelling of engine cycles using both commercial and open-source CFD software.
At OBU, Dr Bonatesta has established a prospering research group, which works in collaboration with Ford Motor Company and CD-Adapco/Siemens for the optimisation of combustion and soot modelling capabilities. Other active research collaborations include the Soot Diagnostics Suite at the University of Nottingham, UK and the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering at Loughborough University. Since December 2015, he is a Visiting Research Fellow at NUMC (Nottingham University Malaysia Campus).
Dr Bonatesta is also supporting the successful development of pan-disciplinary research activities in the area of sustainable, energy-efficient heating systems for buildings, in collaboration with OISD, the Architectural Engineering Research Group, School of Architecture, OBU. Main focus of interest has been 3D CFD modelling and optimisation of Transpired Solar Collector systems.
Research grants and awards
- APC6 DynAMO – Dynamic Analysis Modelling and Optimisation of GDI engines. R&D project co-sponsored by the Advanced Propulsion Centre – APC6 Call. In collaboration with Ford Motor Company (Project Lead), Loughborough University, Bath University, Siemens CDA, Hartree Centre, Cambustion, DE&TC. Total project value: £22M; Project value for Oxford Brookes: £1.35M.
- Dr Bonatesta has also been the recipient of two Central Research Funds Awards (2013-14 and
2014-15) and two Research Excellence Awards (2015-16 and 2016-17).
Research projects
- CFD modelling of mixture preparation, combustion and soot formation in GDI Engines, in collaboration with Ford Motor Company.
- Development and optimisation of chemical kinetics sub-models for Particulate Matter mechanisms relevant to partially-premixed spark-ignition gasoline combustion; in collaboration with NUMC (Nottingham University Malaysia Campus) and CFD software developers, Siemens CDA.
- Experimental investigation of PM characterisation and morphology in GDI engines, in collaboration with the Engine Research Group, Nottingham University.