Fluid Flow Topology Optimization
Binary formulations with integer linear programming, topological derivatives and discrete adjoints for incompressible and compressible flows.
33+peer-reviewed publications
440+citations
38co-authors worldwide
2patent families
About
Mathematics that reshapes real machines
I’m a faculty member at the Department of Mechatronics and Mechanical Systems Engineering (PMR) of Poli-USP — one of Latin America’s leading engineering schools — since September 2023. My work sits at the intersection of topology optimization, computational fluid dynamics and machine learning.
My Ph.D. designed ventricular assist devices through topology optimization, showing how optimization can directly impact healthcare. As a postdoc at the Research Centre for Gas Innovation (RCGI), I moved into energy-transition problems, from CO₂ storage to fuel cells.
Today I lead the DO&GE Lab, which collaborates with Imperial College London, the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and LNCC.
- 2023 — nowProfessor, Poli-USP (PMR)Founder of the DO&GE Lab
- 2020 — 2023Postdoc, RCGI — USPCFD & optimization for energy transition
- 2016 — 2019Ph.D. Mechatronics, Poli-USPTopology optimization of ventricular assist devices
- 2009 — 2015B.Sc. & M.Sc. Mechatronics, Poli-USPFocus on optimization
Research lines
Problems where geometry decides performance
Each line is open to new students — from undergraduate research to Ph.D. projects.
Fuel Cells — PEMFC & SOFC
Multilayered two-phase, nonisothermal channel optimization: the first simultaneous anode–cathode design for PEM fuel cells.
Rotating Machinery & Seals
Rotors, Tesla pumps and labyrinth seals under compressible turbulent flow, validated with 3D-printed prototypes.
Compressible & Turbulent Flows
Pioneering formulations for subsonic compressible flow and Spalart–Allmaras turbulence in rotating frames.
Biomedical Devices
Design, manufacturing and testing of ventricular assist pumps, with patents and experimentally validated prototypes.
AI & Generative Design
Neural surrogates and generative models that explore design spaces beyond intuition and slash optimization cost.
How we work
From equations to 3D-printed prototypes
Model the physics
Structural, thermal, fluid and electrochemical multiphysics models.
Optimize the topology
SIMP, TOBS, level-set and topological derivatives.
Learn from data
ML surrogates and generative AI accelerate the search.
Build & test
Additive manufacturing and experimental validation.
Latest
News from the lab
New single-author paper: "Topology optimization of coupled space–time heat transfer and fluid flow problems" in Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization.
Two new journal papers published: vorticity-constrained fluid flow optimization (Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization) and time-dependent gas–solid flow optimization with gravity (Advances in Engineering Software).
Undergraduate student L. E. S. Silva presents at the 33rd SIICUSP (USP Scientific Initiation Symposium): "Aprimoramento da Válvula Unidirecional do Ventilador Inspire", co-supervised with Prof. R. G. Lima.
See all news →People
The team
Postdoc
Andre Silva
Since 2024
Ph.D.
Alberto Dúran
Topology optimization method applied to the design of compressor …
Ph.D.
Gabriela Barbosa
Simulation and Optimization of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
M.Sc. alumnus
Open positionLucas Ribeiro
Experimental Study of Labyrinth Seal Designed by Topology Optimization · 2024
You?
We're recruiting at every level
Your research could be the next flow we optimize
No prior optimization experience required for undergraduates — curiosity and commitment are what matter. Graduate positions are funded through FAPESP, CNPq and CAPES.
Undergraduate
Scientific Initiation & TCC: MHD thrusters, self-balancing robots, fluidic diodes, ML.
M.Sc. & Ph.D.
Fuel cells, MHD topology optimization, ML surrogate models and more.
Postdoc
Project-based openings (FAPESP, Shell/RCGI) in TO, CFD and SciML.