Craig Wheeler
Associate Director, TUNRA Bulk Solids
Craig Wheeler is a Professor of Engineering at the University of Newcastle and Associate Director of TUNRA Bulk Solids. He worked as a mechanical engineer for BHP for eleven years and was appointed as an academic in the Discipline of Mechanical Engineering in 2003. During this time, he has initiated significant research programs in the areas of belt conveying technology and new overland transport technologies. His work has significant industrial relevance, demonstrated by his extensive consultancy and leadership in major collaborative research projects with leading Australian and international companies.
Reliable processes and methodologies for the design and optimisation of bulk material handling equipment.
What are some of the recent advancements with simulation tools and how do they complement traditional/continuum methods? - What are some of the major challenges or limitations associated with implementing simulation methods in BMH industries at the current time? How can these challenges be addressed? - Where are simulation methods going over the next 10 years and what are some of the emerging technologies that will facilitate this? - How can we better promote or encourage the use of simulation tools to drive innovation within BMH industries? - How are current trends in sustainability influencing the development and optimization of BMH systems? - What role does or will data analytics, machine learning, AI play in the future of simulation methods for sustainable design and operation of BMH equipment? - How are we going as an industry in ensuring the accuracy of simulations and modelling? Do we need to put more effort into developing standard techniques, validation models, assessment criteria, etc to ensure confidence across different codes and applications?