TCLB is a MPI+CUDA or MPI+CPU high-performance Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation code, based on the Lattice Boltzmann Method. It provides a clear interface for calculation of complex physics, and the implementation of new models.
Dr. Nathan Di Vaira is a post-doctoral researcher within the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering at the Univeristy of Queensland (UQ). He holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from UQ, as well as a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). Nathan has prior experience in the resources sector working for BHP and has gained exposure to electricity market modelling via a PhD industry placement with Ernst & Young.
Research
Nathan is an expert in computational fluid dynamics of granular micro-particle suspensions. His research is primarily focused on high-fidelity modelling of subsurface flows in fractured and porous media, using the lattice Boltzmann method and discrete element method, including the simulation of non-Newtonian and physicochemical physics.
During his PhD Nathan made fundamental discoveries relating to the migration of polydisperse particle suspensions, as well as micro-particle clogging under electrostatic forces, both works being published in the Journal of Fluid Mechanics. Through his PhD thesis and several conference presentations and papers, these fundamental insights were positioned in the context of particle flows through fracture networks, providing the basis for innovative simulation methods for stimulation of natural gas reservoirs via proppant injection.
In his current role with the MCF group Nathan is exploring particulate flows through more complex geometries, including realistically-textured fractures, bifurcating channels and percolation through particle packs.
Broader Interests
Nathan is motivated by the Energy Transition and solving its myriad associated problems with his modelling expertise. He is associated with the Centre for Multiscale Energy Systems at UQ, and also has a passion for teaching at a university level, having obtained the status of Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
N. Di Vaira,
C. Leonardi,
R. Johnson,
Modelling micro-proppant transport in stress-sensitive naturally-fractured reservoirs
, Society of Petroleum Engineers - SPE Europec Featured at 82nd EAGE Conference and Exhibition, 2020, [DOI]
Z. You,
D. Wang,
N. Di Vaira,
R. Johnson,
P. Bedrikovetsky,
C. Leonardi,
Development of predictive models in support of micro-particle injection in naturally fractured reservoirs
, SPE/AAPG/SEG Asia Pacific Unconventional Resources Technology Conference 2019, APUR 2019, 2019, [DOI]
R.L. Johnson,
H.M. Ramanandraibe,
N. Di Vaira,
C. Leonardi,
Z. You,
V. Santiago,
A. Ribeiro,
A. Badalyan,
P. Bedrikovetsky,
A. Zeinijahromi,
T. Carageorgos,
A. Sanchez-Barr,
R. Chalaturnyk,
N. Deisman,
Implications of Recent Research into the Application of Graded Particles or Micro-Proppants for Coal Seam Gas and Shale Hydraulic Fracturing
, Society of Petroleum Engineers - SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition 2022, APOG 2022, 2022, [DOI]
C.R. Leonardi,
Ł. Łaniewski-Wollk,
N.J. Di Vaira,
Quantifying non-API proppant transport and fracture permeability as a function of solids loading and particle shape
, 58th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2024, ARMA 2024, 2024, [DOI]
C.R. Leonardi,
N.J. Di Vaira,
Ł. Łaniewski-Wołłk,
S.M. Aminossadati,
R.L. Johnson,
Probabilistic Quantification of Size Segregation and Screen-Out of Microparticles Subject to Electrostatic Forces
, Society of Petroleum Engineers - SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference and Exhibition 2023, HFTC 2023, 2023, [DOI]
C.R. Leonardi,
N.J. Di Vaira,
Ł. Łaniewski-Wołłk,
S. Ganpule,
T. Flottmann,
Computational Analysis of Proppant Transport and Screen-Out in Natural and Induced Fractures
, Society of Petroleum Engineers - Asia Pacific Unconventional Resources Symposium, APUR 2023, 2023, [DOI]