![Robin Vivoli](https://profiles-cardiff.imgix.net/attachments/9407?w=200&h=200&auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&q=90")
Overview
I’m a Research Associate in combustion and energy systems, specialising in hydrogen combustion for low-carbon gas turbine technologies. I completed my PhD at Cardiff University investigating how additive manufacturing-induced surface roughness influences hydrogen burner performance and operability - using both experimental diagnostics and advanced numerical modelling to uncover insights that help bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world combustion challenges.
My work spans flame stability, emissions characterisation, and computational fluid dynamics, with a focus on delivering solutions that support energy transition and net-zero goals. I’ve published peer-reviewed research in respected journals and presented at international technical conferences, contributing to our collective understanding of next-generation hydrogen systems.
I enjoy collaborating across academia and industry to tackle complex engineering problems, communicate technical ideas clearly, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in clean energy research. I’m always open to connecting with others who are passionate about sustainable combustion, energy innovation, and engineering excellence.
Publication
2026
- Vivoli, R. et al. 2026. Influence of surface roughness and fuel delivery strategy on hydrogen combustion stability in turbulent jet burners. Proceedings of the Combustion Institute 42 106718. (10.1016/j.proci.2026.106718)
- Vivoli, R. et al. 2026. Novel Low-y⁺ roughness correlation for hydrogen-fired jet burners validated under isothermal and reacting conditions. Flow, Turbulence and Combustion 117 (3) 40. (10.1007/s10494-026-00799-z)
- Vivoli, R. et al. 2026. Surface roughness effects on the operability and performance of a hydrogen jet burner. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power 148 (1) 011014. (10.1115/1.4069474)
2025
- Vivoli, R. et al. 2025. Insights from swirl number and ambient pressure variations with a hydrogen/ammonia swirl stabilized diffusion flame. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 190 151941. (10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.151941)
- Vivoli, R. et al. 2025. Modeling of roughness effects on generic gas turbine swirler via a detached eddy simulation low-y+ approach. Energies 18 (19) 5240. (10.3390/en18195240)
- Vivoli, R. et al. 2025. Surface roughness effects on the operability and performance of a hydrogen jet burner. Presented at: ASME Turbo Expo 2025: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition Memphis, Tennessee, USA 16-20 June 2025. Proceedings of the Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition. Vol. 3A.Combustion, Fuels & Emissions American Society of Mechanical Engineers. (10.1115/gt2025-151389)
- Vivoli, R. 2025. Additive manufacturing-induced roughness in hydrogen-fuelled jet burners: experimental characterisation and numerical modelling. PhD Thesis , Cardiff University.
2024
- Pugh, D. et al. 2024. Influence of variable swirl on emissions in a non-premixed fuel-flexible burner at elevated ambient conditions. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power 146 (6) 061006. (10.1115/1.4063786)
2023
- Pugh, D. et al. 2023. Influence of variable swirl on emissions in a non-premixed fuel-flexible burner at elevated ambient conditions. Presented at: ASME Turbo Expo 2023: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition 26-30 June 2023. ASME Turbo Expo 2023: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition: Combustion, Fuels, and Emissions. Vol. 3A.ASME. (10.1115/GT2023-102457)
Articles
- Vivoli, R. et al. 2026. Influence of surface roughness and fuel delivery strategy on hydrogen combustion stability in turbulent jet burners. Proceedings of the Combustion Institute 42 106718. (10.1016/j.proci.2026.106718)
- Vivoli, R. et al. 2026. Novel Low-y⁺ roughness correlation for hydrogen-fired jet burners validated under isothermal and reacting conditions. Flow, Turbulence and Combustion 117 (3) 40. (10.1007/s10494-026-00799-z)
- Vivoli, R. et al. 2026. Surface roughness effects on the operability and performance of a hydrogen jet burner. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power 148 (1) 011014. (10.1115/1.4069474)
- Vivoli, R. et al. 2025. Insights from swirl number and ambient pressure variations with a hydrogen/ammonia swirl stabilized diffusion flame. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 190 151941. (10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.151941)
- Vivoli, R. et al. 2025. Modeling of roughness effects on generic gas turbine swirler via a detached eddy simulation low-y+ approach. Energies 18 (19) 5240. (10.3390/en18195240)
- Pugh, D. et al. 2024. Influence of variable swirl on emissions in a non-premixed fuel-flexible burner at elevated ambient conditions. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power 146 (6) 061006. (10.1115/1.4063786)
Conferences
- Vivoli, R. et al. 2025. Surface roughness effects on the operability and performance of a hydrogen jet burner. Presented at: ASME Turbo Expo 2025: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition Memphis, Tennessee, USA 16-20 June 2025. Proceedings of the Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition. Vol. 3A.Combustion, Fuels & Emissions American Society of Mechanical Engineers. (10.1115/gt2025-151389)
- Pugh, D. et al. 2023. Influence of variable swirl on emissions in a non-premixed fuel-flexible burner at elevated ambient conditions. Presented at: ASME Turbo Expo 2023: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition 26-30 June 2023. ASME Turbo Expo 2023: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition: Combustion, Fuels, and Emissions. Vol. 3A.ASME. (10.1115/GT2023-102457)
Thesis
- Vivoli, R. 2025. Additive manufacturing-induced roughness in hydrogen-fuelled jet burners: experimental characterisation and numerical modelling. PhD Thesis , Cardiff University.
Biography
Education
- 2025: PhD (Mechanical Engineering) Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- 2021: BEng (Mechanical Engineering) Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
Academic positions
- 2025 - present: Research Associate, Cardiff University
I obtained my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering before joining an EPSRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) at Cardiff University to undertake doctoral research in combustion and energy systems. My PhD focused on hydrogen combustion for low-carbon gas turbine applications, with particular emphasis on understanding how additive manufacturing-induced surface roughness influences burner performance, flame stability, and operability. The work combined detailed experimental diagnostics with advanced numerical modelling to provide both fundamental insight and practical relevance to next-generation energy technologies.
Following the completion of my doctorate, I remained at Cardiff University as a Research Associate within the Gas Turbine Research Centre (GTRC). My role involves the design and operation of experimental combustion facilities, alongside computational studies supporting collaborative research projects with industrial partners. I contribute to externally funded programmes focused on hydrogen and alternative fuels.