Rafael Torrecilla Rubio

Rafael Torrecilla Rubio is a Ph.D. student at the Insight Centre for Data Analytics at the Dublin City University. He holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany, and an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Jaen, Spain. During his studies, he completed exchange programs at the HTWK Leipzig, Germany, and the Southern Utah University, USA. He possesses a multidisciplinary engineering education, being of his greatest interest the fields of Physics, Mechatronics, Machine Learning, Mechanical Design and Fluid Dynamics.

Rafael’s research focuses on the synergy between Engineering and Computer Science, required for the development of Smart Machines. His current research aims to avoid pump clogging caused by submerged objects in pipes. This research project involves the development of a sensing solution to allow the 3D reconstruction of the object and a Machine Learning algorithm to calculate its clogging probability. Previous research projects include the characterisation of flexible membrane dynamics with experimental techniques such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Digital Image Correlation (DIC), the design and development of a magnetic hyperthermia machine, and the development of novel ceramic materials.