Professor Arastoopour's research interests are in the areas of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of multiphase flow; energy conversion systems; particle technology including pulverization and agglomeration; particle and material processing and fluidization; hydrogen storage; and rubber recycling.

CFD Applications to Gas-solid Flow Systems and Fluidization

This project includes the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes, such as Fluent and CFX, to simulate fluid/particle flow behavior in rotating, bubbling, and circulating fluidized beds.

Pulverization and Agglomeration

The project includes: a) experimental study of pulverization and agglomeration of polymeric materials and elastomers under high shear and compression forces using the Solid State Shear Extrusion (SSSE) process; and b) particle agglomeration and growth in chemical and pharmaceutical processes.

Nanoparticles

This project includes experimental measurement of flow parameters and fluidization characteristics of nanoparticles, as well as mathematical and numerical simulation of nanoparticle flow systems.

Particle Characterization and Surface Modification

This project involves characterization of polymeric and rubber particles produced using the Solid State Shear Extrusion (SSSE) process, and surface properties modification by preparing amphiphilic particulate phase semi-interpenetrating polymer networks using rubber particles.

Multiphase Flow Mixing and Crystal Growth in Pharmaceutical Processes

This project includes using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach to simulate mixing and crystal growth using population balances and CFD codes in stir tank reactors.

Hydrogen Storage

This project includes measurement of the rate and capacity of hydrogen absorption and desorption using carbon nanotables and activated carbon fine particles.

• 2004 - Fellow of American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• 2003 - AIChE Fluidized Processes Recognition Award, sponsored by DOW Chemical, awarded in recognition of significant contribution to the science and technology of fluidization or fluidized processes, and who has shown leadership in the engineering community.
• 2001 - AIChE Donald Q. Kern Award. Awarded in recognition of expertise in heat transfer and energy conversion and the contributions leading to advances in engineering.
• 2001, 2000 - Council for Chemical Research Volunteer Leadership Award
• 1999 - AIChE Lectureship Award in Fluidization and Fluid Particle Systems, sponsored by Fluor Daniel Foundation. Awarded in recognition of the significant contribution and pioneering work in numerical simulation of fluid-particle and fluidized bed systems.
• 1999 - Selected by IIT’s TechNews as one of 36 “People of the Millennium” at IIT.
• 1997 - Ernest W. Thiele Award of the AIChE local section, sponsored by Amoco Corporation. Awarded in recognition of original and significant contributions to the practice of the chemical engineering profession in the Midwest .
• 1992 - University Excellence in Teaching Award, sponsored by Amoco Corporation.
• 1988 - W. M. Langdon Award for Excellence in Chemical Engineering Teaching at IIT, sponsored by Safety Kleen Corporation.
• 1990 - present - Member of the Editorial Board of the Powder Technology Journal.
• Listed in Who’s Who in Engineering.

"Analysis of Binary and Ternary Granular Mixtures Behavior Using the Kinetic Theory Approach" H. Iddir, H. Arastoopour and C. M. Hrenya, Particle Technology 151,117-125 (2005).

"Amphiphilic particulate phase semi- interpenetrating polymer networks based on recycled rubber matrix" N. Shahidi, F. Teymour and H. Arastoopour, Polymer 45,5183-5190, (2004).

"Dispersing Behavior of Recycled Rubber Particles" N. Shahidi, F. Teymour and H. Arastoopour, Macromolecular Symposia 206, Polymer Reaction Engineering V, edited by: J.B.P. Soares , ISBN 3-527-31039-8 Wiley-Vch 471-480 (2004).

"Modeling of UV Dose Distribution in a Thin-Film UV Reactor for Processing of Apple Cider," S.K. Unluturk, H. Arastoopour and T. Koutchma, Journal of Food Engineering, Vol. 651, 125-136, (2004).

A. Ahmadzadeh, H. Arastoopour, and F. Teymour, "Numerical Simulation of Gas and Particle Flow in a Rotating Fluidized Bed," Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, Vol. 42, 2627-2633 (2003).

H. Kim and H. Arastoopour, "Extension of Kinetic Theory to Cohesive Particle Flow," Powder Technology Journal,Vol. 122, 83-94 (2002).

H. Arastoopour, "Numerical Simulation and Experimental Analysis of Gas/Solid Flow Systems: 1999 Fluor-Daniel Plenary Lecture," Powder Technology Journal, Vol. 119, 59-67 (2001).

E. Bilgili, H. Arastoopour, and B. Bernstein, "Pulverization of Rubber Granulates via Solid State Shear Extrusion (SSSE) Process, Part I and II: Process, Concept and Characteristics," Powder Technology Journal,, Vol. 115, 265-289 (2001).

S. Benyahia, H. Arastoopour, T.M. Knowlton, and H. Massah, "Simulation of Particles and Gas Flow Behavior in the Riser Section of a Circulating Fluidized Bed Using the Kinetic Theory Approach for the Particulate Phase," Powder Technology Journal, Vol. 112, 24-33 (2000). [ Download PDF] [Download Animation (2 MB)]

Mathiesen,V., Solberg, T., Arastoopour, H. and B. H. Hjertager, "Experimental and Computational Study of Multiphase Gas/Particle Flow in a CFB Riser," AIChE Journal, 45(12): 2503-2518 (1999).

Simulations Library

"Apparatus and Process for Pulverization of a Polymeric Material," G.K. Ivanov, H. Arastoopour, E. Bilgili, N. Shahidi and B. Bernstein, U.S. Patent #6,513,737 (2003).

"Synthesis of A Carbon-Based Catalyst From Sludge" N. Khalili , H. Arastoopour , U.S. Patent # 6,362,127 B1 (2002).

"Synthesizing Carbon from Sludge," N. Khalili, H. Arastoopour, and L. Walhof , U.S. Patent #6,030,922 (2000).

"Process for Recycling of Rubber Materials," H. Arastoopour, D. Schocke, B. Bernstein, and E. Bilgili, U.S. Patent #5,904,885 (1999).

"Apparatus for Generating Odor upon Electronic Signal Demand," F. Rasouli, H. Arastoopour, and A. Oskouie, U.S. Patent #6,004,516 (1999).

"Single-screw Extruder for Solid State Shear Extrusion Pulverization and Method," H. Arastoopour, U.S. Patent #5,704,555 (1998).

"Method for Producing Biodegradable Products," F. Shutov, H. Arastoopour, and G. Ivanov , U.S. Patent #5,688,448 (1997).

"Solid State Shear Extrusion Pulverization (Thermoplastic Materials)," F. Shutov, G. Ivanov, and H. Arastoopour , U.S. Patent #5,397,065 (1995).

"Solid State Shear Extrusion Pulverization (Thermosetting Materials)," F. Shutov, G. Ivanov, and H. Arastoopour , U.S. Patent #5,395,055 (1995).

"Solid State Shear Extrusion Pulverization (Elastomers)," F. Shutov, G. Ivanov, and H. Arastoopour , U.S. Patent #5,415,354 (1995).

"Sorbent Composition and Process for Regenerative Sorption of NO X," D. Gidaspow, H. Hariri, and H. Arastoopour , U.S. Patent #4,151,124 (1979).