Chemical Engineering
At the laboratories…

Using computer simulation in theoreticalexperiments to boost industrial efficiency
Chemical Engineering

Energy Process Engineering（Aoki Laboratory）

T our ability to understand phenomena and translate
he development of industrial society depends uponthis understanding into innovation in industrial processes.
Advanced computer simulation technology is the key tothis quest. If we can develop unique models and reproduce
hitherto unresolved phenomena on the computer, we canproduce valuable materials effectively. Our work is used
to design improvements and modifications to reactionsystems and predict the quality levels of output materials.
At present we are focusing on developing very precise
control and regulation regimes for specific types ofreactions. In the area of combustion, for example, we arelooking at ways to achieve complete combustion withzero environmental pollutants. We are also developing amethod for controlling the single shaped aggregation inSimulation of spray painting using high-speed
rotating bell cup

the carbon black generation process. This sort of research requires a comprehensive andquantitative understanding of the phenomena involved and high accurate numerical simulation.
The phenomena that we study do not occur in isolation. Unfortunately, the phenomena are
Professor of Chemical Engineering at
the Graduate School of Engineering

composed by parallel processes such as fluid flow, heat transfer and chemical reactions.
Researchers need to be able to adopt an engineering approach, with the ability to identify andDoctor of Engineering

analyze key phenomena. Ongoing repetition of the simulation process is important for developing

Graduated from Tochigi PrefecturalUtsunomiya Higashi Senior High Schoolin 1983. Completed a doctorate inchemical engineering at the Graduate
School of Engineering, Tohoku University,
in 1992. Appointed Professor ofChemical Engineering at the Graduate
School of Engineering, Tohoku University
in 2011. “On a time capsule that we madeat primary school, I wrote that one day I
wanted to be scientist doing chemical
experiments in a white coat. But it turns
out that most of us don’t wear lab coats
anyway!” (laughs) Slogans of the Aoki
Laboratory: “Always” that means dedicate
yourself to your work each and everyday./ “Engineers are the wild samurai!”
These are two of my favorite sayings
from former professors Shigemori Ohtani
and Takatoshi Miura.

Laboratory extends to all types of reaction phenomena used in industrial processes. OurHideyuki Aoki

this skill set.
A great many industrial products are made via chemical reactions. Our research at the Aoki
researchers and engineers hone their approach on the basis of this fundamental understanding of
the nature of their work. When you join a university research laboratory, your outlook changes; nolonger are you taught a specific area of study, you create your own field of study. It can be lonely,
and it can even be somewhat daunting to explore unchartered territories. But we provide a
supportive research environment to learn and grow together. Here at the Aoki Laboratory we arededicated to producing talented researchers who will feature in the technology-driven society ofthe future.

Main research themes● Designing hydrogen storage tanks with hydrogen absorbing alloys● Morphological simulation of carbon black aggregates● Developing a low-polluting combustion method with high-pressure pulse spraying● Simulation of spray painting using high-speed rotating bell cup● Investigating strength development mechanisms in steelmaking coke