Bert J. E. Blocken

Bert J. E. Blocken | JRNLClub

Research Statement

AI generated · Oct 26, 2026

Bert J. E. Blocken's indexed work centers on computational fluid dynamics for the built environment, particularly the modelling of atmospheric boundary layer flow and its wall-function treatment, which underpins much of his later urban simulation work. His most-cited lead-author contributions address CFD for urban physics, setting out scales, possibilities and practical guidance for accurate simulation, and a retrospective on fifty years of computational wind engineering. Related studies examine cross-ventilation in generic isolated buildings and the comparative merits of LES versus RANS for outdoor and indoor building simulation, alongside applied work on pedestrian wind comfort and safety and wind-driven rain in building science. Beyond these, publicly indexed outputs include a co-authored review of CFD analysis of urban microclimate, reflecting contributions to broader consortium-style synthesis. No software tools, datasets, patents or grants are indexed beyond his publications. Taken together, the named works trace a consistent line of inquiry: refining simulation methodology for wind and airflow around buildings, then extending it toward urban comfort, ventilation and microclimate assessment.

Most Cited Works

On the accuracy of turbulence models for CFD simulations of vertical axis wind turbines

Abdolrahim Rezaeiha, Hamid Montazeri, Bert J. E. Blocken

Energy2019

384Citations

Characterization of aerodynamic performance of vertical axis wind turbines: Impact of operational parameters

Abdolrahim Rezaeiha, Hamid Montazeri, Bert J. E. Blocken

Energy Conversion and Management2018

230Citations

Research Areas

Wind and Air Flow StudiesBuilding Energy and Comfort OptimizationUrban Heat Island MitigationFluid Dynamics and Turbulent FlowsAerodynamics and Fluid Dynamics Research

Affiliations & Education

Education

1998–2004
KU Leuven(BE)
PhD in Building Physics · Department of Civil Engineering
1992–1998
KU Leuven(BE)
MSc · Department of Civil Engineering

Employment

2023–present· now
Heriot-Watt University(GB)
Professor of Mechanical Engineering - Aerodynamics · Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering

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Bert J. E. Blocken

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