Rate My Professor David Bradney

Dr David Bradney is the Engineering Manager at TUNRA Bulk Solids and a Conjoint Lecturer in the School of Engineering at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He completed a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) from the University of Newcastle between 2008 and 2011, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy from the same institution between 2013 and 2016. His PhD research, documented in the thesis 'Measured and Predicted performance of a small wind turbine operating in unsteady flow,' examined the performance of small horizontal-axis wind turbines in turbulent conditions. Dr Bradney's career trajectory at the University includes roles as Associate Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering from June 2016 to February 2018, Research Associate from March 2017 to February 2018, and Conjoint Lecturer since February 2018. At TUNRA Bulk Solids, he progressed from Consulting Engineer starting January 2018 to December 2022, Senior Consulting Engineer from January to December 2023, and Engineering Manager from January 2024 onward. He lectures in advanced computational modelling techniques such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA), and discrete element method (DEM) modelling, alongside mechanical design and bulk materials handling.

Dr Bradney's academic interests center on bulk materials, computational fluid dynamics, discrete element method modelling (DEM), finite element modelling, and wind energy. His key publications include journal articles like 'A low-cost, high-speed, multi-channel Arduino-based data acquisition system for wind turbine systems' (Wind Engineering, 2020), 'Development and experimental verification of a 5 kW small wind turbine aeroelastic model' (Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2018), 'Assessing the IEC simplified fatigue load equations for small wind turbine blades: How simple is too simple?' (Renewable Energy, 2018), 'Sawfishes stealth revealed using computational fluid dynamics' (Journal of Fish Biology, 2017), and 'The suitability of the IEC 61400-2 wind model for small wind turbines operating in the built environment' (Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability, 2017). He has also contributed conference papers, such as those on diffuser augmented wind turbines and aeroelastic measurements (2016), and a book chapter 'The Effect of Tail Fin Size on the Yaw Performance of Small Wind Turbines Operating in Unsteady Flow' (2019). Dr Bradney has participated as an investigator in nine grants totaling $976,436, including bulk materials handling research ($287,130, 2022-2024), tailings management dewatering flume site trials ($278,500, 2020-2024), and development of a smart monitoring safety system for conveyor belt lifting technology ($50,000, 2020). His work bridges academia and industry, applying advanced modelling to challenges in mining, manufacturing, and energy.