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Professor Alan Robins

Professor of Environmental Fluid Mechanics

Qualifications: BSc, PhD, ACGI, CSci, C.Math, MIMA, FRMetS, FRSA

Email:
Phone: Work: 01483 68 9684
Room no: 01 AB 02

Further information

Research Interests

Research interests include turbulent flow and dispersion, with applications to environmental aerodynamics and air pollution problems. Work includes experimental and mathematical modelling of turbulent flows, mixing processes and concentration fluctuations, the dispersion of emissions in the atmosphere and their subsequent deposition, wind tunnel methods for simulating atmospheric flow and dispersion, and wind power studies.

Publications

Journal articles

  • Carpentieri M, Kumar P, Robins A. (2012) 'Wind tunnel measurements for dispersion modelling of vehicle wakes'. Elsevier Atmospheric Environment, 62, pp. 9-25.
    doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2012.08.019
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/725952/

    Abstract

    Wind tunnel measurements downwind of reduced scale car models have been made to study the wake regions in detail, test the usefulness of existing vehicle wake models, and draw key information needed for dispersion modelling in vehicle wakes. The experiments simulated a car moving in still air. This is achieved by (i) the experimental characterisation of the flow, turbulence and concentration fields in both the near and far wake regions, (ii) the preliminary assessment of existing wake models using the experimental database, and (iii) the comparison of previous field measurements in the wake of a real diesel car with the wind tunnel measurements. The experiments highlighted very large gradients of velocities and concentrations existing, in particular, in the near-wake. Of course, the measured fields are strongly dependent on the geometry of the modelled vehicle and a generalisation for other vehicles may prove to be difficult. The methodology applied in the present study, although improvable, could constitute a first step towards the development of mathematical parameterisations. Experimental results were also compared with the estimates from two wake models. It was found that they can adequately describe the far-wake of a vehicle in terms of velocities, but a better characterisation in terms of turbulence and pollutant dispersion is needed. Parameterised models able to predict velocity and concentrations with fine enough details at the near-wake scale do not exist.

  • Carpentieri M, Salizzoni P, Robins A, Soulhac L. (2012) 'Evaluation of a neighbourhood scale, street network dispersion model through comparison with wind tunnel data'. Elsevier Environmental Modelling and Software, 37, pp. 110-124.
    doi: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2012.03.009
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/634481/

    Abstract

    This study compared dispersion calculations using astreetnetworkmodel (SIRANE) with results from windtunnel experiments in order to examine model performance in simulating short-range pollutant dispersion in urban areas. The comparison was performed using a range of methodologies, from simple graphical comparisons (e.g. scatter plots) to more advanced statistical analyses. A preliminary analysis focussed on the sensitivity of the model to source position, receptor location, wind direction, plume spread parameterisation and site aerodynamic parameters. Sensitivity to wind direction was shown to be by far the most significant. A more systematic approach was then adopted, analysing the behaviour of the model in response to three elements: wind direction, source position and small changes in geometry. These are three very critical aspects of fine scale urban dispersion modelling. The overall model performance, measured using the Chang and Hanna (2004) criteria can be considered as ‘good’. Detailed analysis of the results showed that ground level sources were better represented by the model than roof level sources. Performance was generally ‘good’ for wind directions that were very approximately diagonal to the street axes, while cases with wind directions almost parallel (within 20°) to street axes gave results with larger uncertainties (failing to meet the quality targets). The methodology used in this evaluation exercise, relying on systematic windtunnel studies on a scaled model of a real neighbourhood, proved very useful for assessing strengths and weaknesses of the SIRANE model, complementing previous validation studies performed with either on-site measurements or windtunnel measurements over idealised urban geometries.

  • Carpentieri M, Robins A, Salizzoni P, Soulhac L. (2012) 'Evaluation of a neighbourhood scale, street network dispersion model through comparison with wind tunnel data'. Environmental Modelling and Software, 37, pp. 110-124.
    doi: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2012.03.009
  • Mokhtarzadeh-Dehghan MR, Akcayoglu A, Robins AG. (2012) 'Numerical study and comparison with experiment of dispersion of a heavier-than-air gas in a simulated neutral atmospheric boundary layer'. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 110, pp. 10-24.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jweia.2012.07.004
  • Carpentieri M, Hayden P, Robins AG. (2012) 'Wind tunnel measurements of pollutant turbulent fluxes in urban intersections'. Elsevier Atmospheric Environment, 46, pp. 669-674.
    doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2011.09.083
  • Smethurst HE, Murray VSG, Witham C, Robins AG. (2012) 'An exceptional case of long range odorant transport'. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 103, pp. 60-72.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jweia.2012.03.006
  • Rudd AC, Belcher SE, Robins AG, Lepley JJ. (2012) 'An Inverse Method for Determining Source Characteristics for Emergency Response Applications'. Boundary-Layer Meteorology, 144 (1), pp. 1-20.
    doi: 10.1007/s10546-012-9712-y
  • Kumar P, Robins A, Vardoulakis S, Quincey P. (2011) 'Technical challenges in tackling regulatory concerns for urban atmospheric nanoparticles'. PARTICUOLOGY, 9 (6), pp. 566-571.
    doi: 10.1016/j.partic.2011.06.002
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/84300/
  • Barlow JF, Harrison J, Robins AG, Wood CR. (2011) 'A wind-tunnel study of flow distortion at a meteorological sensor on top of the BT Tower, London, UK'. JOURNAL OF WIND ENGINEERING AND INDUSTRIAL AERODYNAMICS, 99 (9), pp. 899-907.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jweia.2011.05.001
  • Hill R, Arnott A, Hayden P, Lawton T, Robins A, Parker T. (2011) 'Evaluation of CFD model predictions of local dispersion from an area source on a complex industrial site'. International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 44 (1-4), pp. 173-181.
    doi: 10.1504/IJEP.2011.038416
  • Lepley JJ, Lloyd DR, Robins A, Rudd A, Wilks A. (2011) 'Dynamic sensor deployment for the monitoring of chemical releases in urban environments (DYCE)'. Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, 8018
    doi: 10.1117/12.883373
  • Contini D, Donateo A, Cesari D, Robins AG. (2011) 'Comparison of plume rise models against water tank experimental data for neutral and stable crossflows'. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics,
    doi: 10.1016/j.jweia.2011.02.003
  • Tiwary A, Robins A, Namdeo A, Bell M. (2011) 'Air flow and concentration fields at urban road intersections for improved understanding of personal exposure'. Environment International,
    doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2011.02.006
  • Carpentieri M, Kumar P, Robins A. (2011) 'An overview of experimental results and dispersion modelling of nanoparticles in the wake of moving vehicles'. Environmental Pollution, 159 (3), pp. 685-693.
    doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2010.11.041
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/3012/

    Abstract

    Understanding the transformation of nanoparticles emitted from vehicles is essential for developing appropriate methods for treating fine scale particle dynamics in dispersion models. This article provides an overview of significant research work relevant to modelling the dispersion of pollutants, especially nanoparticles, in the wake of vehicles. Literature on vehicle wakes and nanoparticle dispersion is reviewed, taking into account field measurements, wind tunnel experiments and mathematical approaches. Field measurements and modelling studies highlighted the very short time scales associated with nanoparticle transformations in the first stages after the emission. These transformations strongly interact with the flow and turbulence fields immediately behind the vehicle, hence the need of characterising in detail the mixing processes in the vehicle wake. Very few studies have analysed this interaction and more research is needed to build a basis for model development. A possible approach is proposed and areas of further investigation identified.

  • Tiwary A, Robins A, Namdeo A, Bell M. (2011) 'Air flow and concentration fields at urban road intersections for improved understanding of personal exposure'. Environment International, 37 (5), pp. 1005-1018.
    doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2011.02.006
  • Contini D, Donateo A, Cesari D, Robins AG. (2011) 'Comparison of plume rise models against water tank experimental data for neutral and stable crossflows'. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 99 (5), pp. 539-553.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jweia.2011.02.003
  • Martin D, Nickless G, Price CS, Britter RE, Neophytou MK, Cheng H, Robins AG, Dobre A, Belcher SE, Barlow JF, Tomlin AS, Smalley RJ, Tate JE, Colvile RN, Arnold SJ, Shallcross DE. (2010) 'Urban tracer dispersion experiment in London (DAPPLE) 2003: field study and comparison with empirical prediction'. WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE LETTERS, 11 (4), pp. 241-248.
    doi: 10.1002/asl.282
  • Kumar P, Robins A, ApSimon H. (2010) 'Nanoparticle emissions from biofuelled vehicles - their characteristics and impact on the number-based regulation of atmospheric particles'. WILEY-BLACKWELL ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE LETTERS, 11 (4), pp. 327-331.
    doi: 10.1002/asl.307
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/6570/
  • Balogun AA, Tomlin AS, Wood CR, Barlow JF, Belcher SE, Smalley RJ, Lingard JJN, Arnold SJ, Dobre A, Robins AG, Martin D, Shallcross DE. (2010) 'In-Street Wind Direction Variability in the Vicinity of a Busy Intersection in Central London'. SPRINGER BOUNDARY-LAYER METEOROLOGY, 136 (3), pp. 489-513.
    doi: 10.1007/s10546-010-9515-y
  • Kumar P, Fennell P, Robins A. (2010) 'Comparison of the behaviour of manufactured and other airborne nanoparticles and the consequences for prioritising research and regulation activities'. SPRINGER JOURNAL OF NANOPARTICLE RESEARCH, 12 (5), pp. 1523-1530.
    doi: 10.1007/s11051-010-9893-6
  • Carpentieri M, Robins AG. (2010) 'Tracer Flux Balance at an Urban Canyon Intersection'. SPRINGER BOUNDARY-LAYER METEOROLOGY, 135 (2), pp. 229-242.
    doi: 10.1007/s10546-010-9471-6
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/3016/
  • Martin D, Price CS, White IR, Nickless G, Petersson KF, Britter RE, Robins AG, Belcher SE, Barlow JF, Neophytou M, Arnold SJ, Tomlin AS, Smalley RJ, Shallcross DE. (2010) 'Urban tracer dispersion experiments during the second DAPPLE field campaign in London 2004'. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT, 44 (25), pp. 3043-3052.
    doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2010.05.007
  • Chew J, Robins A. (2010) 'Guest Editorial: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science'. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, 224 (3), pp. i-ii.
    doi: 10.1177/095440621022400301
  • Chew J, Robins A. (2010) 'Guest Editorial: Special section on engineering in a changing climate'. PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART C-JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE, 224 (3), pp. I-II.
    doi: 10.1177/095440621022400301
  • Kumar P, Robins A, Vardoulakis S, Britter R. (2010) 'A review of the characteristics of nanoparticles in the urban atmosphere and the prospects for developing regulatory controls'. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT, 44 (39), pp. 5035-5052.
    doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2010.08.016
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/6568/
  • Aristodemou E, Bentham T, Pain C, Colvile R, Robins A, ApSimon H. (2009) 'A comparison of mesh-adaptive LES with wind tunnel data for flow past buildings: Mean flows and velocity fluctuations'. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT, 43 (39), pp. 6238-6253.
    doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2009.07.014
  • Kumar P, Robins A, Britter R. (2009) 'Fast response measurements of the dispersion of nanoparticles in a vehicle wake and a street canyon'. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT, 43 (38), pp. 6110-6118.
    doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2009.08.042
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/6574/
  • Carpentieri M, Robins AG, Baldi S. (2009) 'Three-Dimensional Mapping of Air Flow at an Urban Canyon Intersection'. SPRINGER BOUNDARY-LAYER METEOROLOGY, 133 (2), pp. 277-296.
    doi: 10.1007/s10546-009-9425-z
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/3015/
  • Contini D, Cesari D, Donateo A, Robins AG. (2009) 'Effects of Reynolds number on stack plume trajectories simulated with small scale models in a wind tunnel'. ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV JOURNAL OF WIND ENGINEERING AND INDUSTRIAL AERODYNAMICS, 97 (9-10), pp. 468-474.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jweia.2009.07.007
  • Tomlin AS, Smalley RJ, Tate JE, Barlow JF, Belcher SE, Arnold SJ, Dobre A, Robins A. (2009) 'A field study of factors influencing the concentrations of a traffic-related pollutant in the vicinity of a complex urban junction'. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT, 43 (32), pp. 5027-5037.
    doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2009.06.047
  • Wood CR, Arnold SJ, Balogun AA, Barlow JF, Belcher SE, Britter RE, Cheng H, Dobre A, Lingard JJN, Martin D, Neophytou MK, Petersson FK, Robins AG, Shallcross DE, Smalley RJ, Tate JE, Tomlin AS, White IR. (2009) 'DISPERSION EXPERIMENTS IN CENTRAL LONDON The 2007 Dapple Project'. AMER METEOROLOGICAL SOC BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY, 90 (7), pp. 955-970.
    doi: 10.1175/2009BAMS2638.1
  • Shallcross DE, Martin D, Price CS, Nickless G, White IR, Petersson F, Britter RE, Neophytou MK, Tate JE, Tomlin AS, Belcher SE, Barlow JF, Robins A. (2009) 'Short-range urban dispersion experiments using fixed and moving sources'. WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE LETTERS, 10 (2), pp. 59-65.
    doi: 10.1002/asl.211
  • Mohan R, Leonardi GS, Robins A, Jefferis S, Coy J, Wight J, Murray V. (2009) 'Evaluation of Methodologies for Exposure Assessment to Atmospheric Pollutants from a Landfill Site'. AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOC JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, 59 (4), pp. 490-501.
    doi: 10.3155/1047-3289.59.4.490
  • Patra A, Colvile R, Arnold S, Bowen E, Shallcross D, Martin D, Price C, Tate J, ApSimon H, Robins A. (2008) 'On street observations of particulate matter movement and dispersion due to traffic on an urban road'. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT, 42 (17), pp. 3911-3926.
    doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2006.10.070
  • Pascheke F, Barlow JF, Robins A. (2008) 'Wind-tunnel modelling of dispersion from a scalar area source in urban-like roughness'. SPRINGER BOUNDARY-LAYER METEOROLOGY, 126 (1), pp. 103-124.
    doi: 10.1007/s10546-007-9222-5
  • Cheng H, Hayden P, Robins AG, Castro IP. (2007) 'Flow over cube arrays of different packing densities'. ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV JOURNAL OF WIND ENGINEERING AND INDUSTRIAL AERODYNAMICS, 95 (8), pp. 715-740.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jweia.2007.01.004
  • Xie Z-T, Hayden P, Robins AG, Voke PR. (2007) 'Modelling extreme concentrations from a source in a turbulent flow over a rough wall'. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT, 41 (16), pp. 3395-3406.
    doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2006.12.022
  • Reynolds RT, Hayden P, Castro IP, Robins AG. (2007) 'Spanwise variations in nominally two-dimensional rough-wall boundary layers'. SPRINGER EXPERIMENTS IN FLUIDS, 42 (2), pp. 311-320.
    doi: 10.1007/s00348-006-0243-5
  • Contini D, Hayden P, Robins A. (2006) 'Concentration field and turbulent fluxes during the mixing of two buoyant plumes'. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT, 40 (40), pp. 7842-7857.
    doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2006.07.024
  • Mohan R, Spiby J, Leonardi GS, Robins A, Jefferis S. (2006) 'Sustainable waste management in the UK: the public health role.'. Public Health, England: 120 (10), pp. 908-914.
    doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2006.05.021
  • Mokhtarzadeh-Dehghan MR, Konig CS, Robins AG. (2006) 'Numerical study of single and two interacting turbulent plumes in atmospheric cross flow'. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT, 40 (21), pp. 3909-3923.
    doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2006.02.024

Conference papers

  • Kumar P, Carpentieri M, Robins A. (2012) 'Dispersion of ultrafine particles in the near and far wake regions of a moving diesel car'. Athens, Greece: Air Quality 2012: 8th International Conference on Air Quality
  • Kumar P, Carpentieri M, Robins A, Ketzel M, Britter R. (2011) 'Understanding dispersion of nanoparticles in vehicle wakes combining field measurements and wind tunnel simulations'. Kos Island, Greece: 14th International Conference on Harmonisation within Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling for Regulatory Purposes
  • Robins AG, Robins AG, Hayden P, Rudd A. (2011) 'Wind tunnel evaluation of inverse modelling techniques for emergency response application'. University of Hamburg: Physmod 2011
  • Carpentieri M, Kumar P, Robins A. (2011) 'Flow and concentration measurements in the wake of reduced scale models of cars for developing nanoparticle dispersion models'. Hamburg, Germany: Physmod 2011 - International Workshop on Physical Modelling of Flow and Dispersion Phenomena, pp. 31-38.
  • Carpentieri M, Robins A. (2010) 'Wind tunnel and CFD modelling of flow and pollutant dispersion in urban areas'. Proceedings, Bristol, UK: 10th UK Wind Engineering Conference, pp. 91-96.
  • Robins A, Carpentieri M, Alzate J, Salizzoni P. (2010) 'The performance of street network urban dispersion model'. Proceedings, Bristol, UK: 10th UK Wind Engineering Conference, pp. 83-86.
  • Carpentieri M, Robins A. (2009) 'Measurement of turbulent fluxes and pollutant mass exchanges in urban areas'. Sint-Genesius-Rode, Belgium: Physmod 2009 - International Workshop on Physical Modelling of Flow and Dispersion Phenomena
  • Carpentieri M, Salizzoni P, Robins A, Soulhac L. (2009) 'Validation of a neighbourhood scale dispersion model through comparison with wind tunnel data'. Sint-Genesius-Rode, Belgium: Physmod 2009 - International Workshop on Physical Modelling of Flow and Dispersion Phenomena
  • Carpentieri M, Robins A. (2009) 'Modelling flow and pollutant dispersion in urban areas'. Florence, Italy: 5th European and African Conference on Wind Engineering
  • Carpentieri M, Robins A. (2009) 'Wind tunnel experiments of flow and dispersion in a real urban area'. Yokohama, Japan: 7th International Conference on Urban Climate
  • Carpentieri M, Robins A. (2009) 'Neighbourhood scale flow and dispersion modelling'. Yokohama, Japan: 7th International Conference on Urban Climate
  • Carpentieri M, Robins A. (2009) 'Neighbourhood scale models for flow and dispersion in urban areas'. Istanbul, Turkey: 7th International Conference on Air Quality
  • Carpentieri M, Robins A. (2009) 'Flow, dispersion and turbulent fluxes in a street intersection in central London: wind tunnel experiments'. Istanbul, Turkey: 7th International Conference on Air Quality
  • Baldi S, Carpentieri M, Robins A. (2007) 'Mass flux balance at a urban intersection'. Amsterdam, NL : Elsevier Air Pollution Modeling and Its Application, Leipzig, Germany: 28th NATO/CCMS International Technical Meeting on Air Pollution Modelling and its Application XVIII, pp. 731-733.
  • Mohan R, Leonardi G, Robins A, Jefferis S, Coy J, Wight J, Murray V. (2006) 'The application of atmospheric dispersion modelling and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to improve estimates of human exposure to chemicals around a landfill site for an epidemiological study'. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS EPIDEMIOLOGY, Paris, FRANCE: ISEE/ISEA 2006 Conference 17 (6), pp. S481-S481.
    doi: 10.1097/00001648-200611001-01291
  • Xie Z, Voke PR, Hayden P, Robins AG. (2004) 'Les and extreme value theory - Modelling the upper tail of the PDF of concentration in turbulent dispersion'. SPRINGER Direct and Large-Eddy Simulation V, Proceedings, Munich Univ Technol, Munich, GERMANY: 5th International ERCOFTAC Workshop on Direct and Large-Eddy Simulation 9, pp. 323-332.

Current Research Projects

  • DAPPLE – dispersion and penetration of pollutants into the local environment (EPSRC)
  • Dispersion of hazardous material in urban areas (Home Office CBRN R&T)
  • Dispersion over groups of solid obstacles, (NERC)
  • Line averaged concentrations of pollutants in street canyons (EU)
  • Dispersion over the BNFL Sellafield Site (Westlakes Scientific Consultants)
  • Management of chemical incidents, with Guy's & St Thomas's Hospital (EPSRC)
  • Health effects of waste disposal (land-fill and incineration), with Guy's & St Thomas's Hospital (EPSRC)
  • The Clean Development Mechanism and small scale hydro-electricity, with Shell (EPSRC)
  • Dispersion of fugitive emissions from oil exploration (Shell, EPSRC)
  • Management, development and wider exploitation of the NCAS (NERC) Centre, the Environmental Flow Research
  • Centre (EnFlo), at the University of Surrey

Professional Activities

  • Director, Fluids Research Centre
  • Director, Environmental Flow Research Centre
  • Director, Mechanical Engineering BEng/MEng Programmes
  • Director, MSc Programme in Environmental Fluid Mechanics
  • Member Editorial Board Atmospheric Environment
  • Member of the ESDU Wind Engineering Panel
  • Member of UWERN Management Committee
  • UK Delegate COST732
  • Project Leader, EPSRC DAPPLE Consortium Project