Waves in random particulate media
How sound and ultrasound travel through materials full of randomly placed particles, using multiple scattering theory and ensemble averaging to predict the average wave across a broad frequency range.
About me
- Applied Mathematics
- Physics
- Engineering
- Ultrasound Sensing
I am a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate at the University of Sheffield, working with Johnson Matthey to develop next-generation ultrasonic sensors that measure particle size distributions in industrial processes.
My research combines applied mathematics, physics and engineering to understand how waves propagate and scatter in random particulate materials, such as suspensions, emulsions and powders, and to turn that understanding into practical measurement technology. I enjoy the whole path from theory and numerical methods to laboratory experiments and working hardware.
Interests
- Wave propagation & multiple scattering
- Ultrasonic sensing & instrumentation
- Inverse problems & statistical inference
- Metamaterials & random media
- Numerical methods & continuum mechanics
Education
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering, 2026University of Sheffield
- MSc in Physics, 2021University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil
- BSc in Physics, 2019University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil
Current project · Nov 2025 – present
Next Generation Ultrasonic Sensors for Particulates
Knowledge Transfer Partnership · University of Sheffield & Johnson Matthey
Selected as the sole Associate to lead a collaborative R&D project bridging academic innovation and industrial application. I am responsible for the end-to-end development and testing of a novel ultrasonic sensor technology for particle size distribution measurements.
I designed the initial prototype for the sensor from scratch, within collaboration with several technicians in the University of Sheffield and engineers in Johnson Matthey. The design process included manufacturing specification, component sourcing and full-system assembly.
10 monthsfrom concept to first prototype hardware
Research
From multiple scattering theory to instruments that work on a production line.
Sensing through layers
Reflection and transmission by halfspaces and layers filled with particles, so that particulate materials can be characterised from the ultrasound they send back.
Band gaps from random resonators
Designing acoustic band gaps with randomly distributed sub-wavelength Helmholtz resonators, and the physical bounds on what such disordered metamaterials can achieve.
Ultrasonic sensors for industry
Turning models into in-line ultrasonic instruments for particle sizing, from experiment design with MHz immersion transducers to installation-ready hardware with Johnson Matthey.
Publications
Journal articles
Designing band gaps with randomly distributed sub-wavelength Helmholtz resonators
npj Acoustics 2, 10 (2026)
DOIOpen access
Acoustic waves in a halfspace material filled with random particulate
New Journal of Physics 26, 123033 (2024)
The average transmitted wave in random particulate materials
New Journal of Physics 26, 063002 (2024)
Effective T-matrix of a cylinder filled with a random two-dimensional particulate
Proceedings of the Royal Society A 480, 20230660 (2024)
Conference papers & reports
Acoustic waves in layered material filled with random particulate: applications and theoretical advancements
Bremen Workshop on Light Scattering (2025)
Mathematical model for layered acoustic materials with random particulate microstructure
Phononics 2023, Manchester
Microwave cooking of thin potato discs
Mathematics in Industry Reports (2023): European Study Group with Industry 171, with PepsiCo
Theses
Average wave propagation and scattering in random particulate media: a broad frequency range
PhD thesis, University of Sheffield (2026)
Gravitational waves and Robinson-Trautman spacetimes
MSc thesis, University of Campinas (2021)
Talks
14 talks, 6 posters and 1 webinar since 2022.
- AUG 2026 · INVITED Scattering and physical bounds of randomly placed Helmholtz resonators MWSW06, Isaac Newton Institute, Cambridge · Video
- JUL 2026 · INVITED Band gaps and physical bounds from randomly distributed resonators MetaMAT 2026, Corsica · Recording
- MAR 2026 · WEBINAR From multiple scattering to effective properties: engineering bandgaps in random media MetaMAT seminar series · Recording
- JUN 2025 · INVITED From time to frequency: interpreting reflections in layered acoustic medium via formal power series British Mathematical Colloquium & British Applied Mathematics Colloquium, Exeter
Show all talks and posters
- APR 2025 · TALKIn-line acoustic sensing for dense particulate materialsJohnson Matthey academic conference, Coventry
- APR 2025 · TALKBand gaps from randomly distributed resonatorsWorkshop on Metamaterials with Extra Dimensions, Imperial College London
- DEC 2024 · TALKFinalist presentationUKAN+ Mathematical and Computational Acoustics Paper Prize & Workshop
- JUL 2024 · POSTERModelling ultrasound sensing methods for particulate materialsDRG showcase, University of Sheffield
- JUN 2024 · POSTERModelling ultrasound sensing methods for particulate materialsSecond-year MechEng poster presentation, University of Sheffield
- APR 2024 · SEMINARAcoustic sensing of particulate materials through layersSeminar series, Imperial College London
- APR 2024 · TALKAcoustic sensing of particulate materials through layersBritish Applied Mathematics Colloquium, Newcastle
- OCT 2023 · SEMINARWhy care about inverse problems if your focus is modelling?Seminar series, University of Manchester (with A. L. Gower and J. R. Kent)
- AUG 2023 · TALKWave scattering from layers of random particulate materialsInternational Congress on Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Tokyo
- JUL 2023 · TALKPepsiCo problem: results presentation (with Matthew Shirley)European Study Group with Industry 171, Edinburgh
- JUL 2023 · TALKModelling lipid raft formation (group presentation)UK Graduate Modelling Camp, Isaac Newton Institute, Cambridge
- JUN 2023 · POSTERMathematical model for layered acoustic materials with random particulate microstructurePhononics, Manchester
- APR 2023 · POSTERModelling ultrasound sensing methods for particulate materialsJohnson Matthey academic conference, Coventry
- APR 2023 · TALKWave scattering from layers of random particulate materialsBritish Applied Mathematics Colloquium, Bristol
- MAR 2023 · POSTERWaves in a cylinder filled with random particulate materialWorkshop MWSW02, Isaac Newton Institute, Cambridge
- JAN 2023 · TALKComputational Challenge: group solutionWinter School MWSW05, Isaac Newton Institute, Cambridge
- APR 2022 · POSTERSensing particulates with multiple scatteringJohnson Matthey academic conference, Coventry
Recognition & service
Prizes & recognition
- Nominated by colleagues as an outstanding postdocPostdoc Appreciation Week, University of Sheffield, 2026
- Finalist, UKAN+ Mathematical and Computational Acoustics Paper Prize2024
- Poster prize, second placeDRG showcase, University of Sheffield, 2024
- IMA Best Presentation Prize (group)UK Graduate Modelling Camp, 2023
- Best numerical and overall solution (team)Computational Challenge, Winter School MWSW05, 2023
Funding
- EPSRC ICASE PhD studentship with Johnson Matthey2021–2025
- FAPESP MSc scholarship2019–2021
- FAPESP undergraduate research scholarship2017–2018
- CNPq undergraduate research scholarship2017
Teaching & service
- Reviewer for Nonlinear Dynamics, npj Acoustics and Wave Motionsince 2025
- Organiser and chair, mini-symposium on acoustic and elastic wave scatteringBAMC 2024, Newcastle
- Graduate Teaching Assistant, Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Sheffield, 2022–2025
- Founder, online mathematical physics journal clubUNICAMP, 2020–2021
Contact
I am always happy to talk about wave scattering, ultrasonic sensing and industrial measurement problems. Feel free to get in touch.
- Sheffield, United Kingdom