History
The creation of The University of Newcastle Research Associates (TUNRA) Bulk Solids in 1975 was the work of pioneering problem-solver Emeritus Professor Alan Roberts. Professor Alan Roberts founded TUNRA Bulk Solids (TBS) to facilitate research and consulting services in bulk materials handling, with TBS opening its first testing facilities in 1975. The bulk solids laboratory was originally located in the laboratories of the Engineering Building, EC, within the Callaghan campus of the University of Newcastle with one staff member. It then progressed in 1985 / 86 to the EG building where several more staff members were employed. It was here at EG where the TUNRA Bulk Solids flow properties laboratories took shape and developed into a world renowned facility.
TUNRA Bulk Solids Flow Laboratory, EG Building, the University of Newcastle
“Prof”, as he is affectionately known to the staff of the organisation he founded, has combined a glittering academic career and the publication of seminal technical papers with an almost uncanny ability to solve industry problems.
He has been conducting research and consulting in bulk solids handling for more than 70 years and is heralded as launching in Australia the scientific and technological developments of bulk solids in 1964 based on the work of Dr Andrew Jenike, known worldwide as the originator of modern day bulk solids flow theory.
Dr Andrew Jenike (right) visits TUNRA Bulk Solids 1984
Emeritus Professor Alan Roberts graduated in 1955 from the University of NSW with a Bachelor of Engineering with 1st Class Honours and, in 1958, accepted an appointment as a lecturer at Wollongong University College and he was awarded his PhD in 1961 from University of NSW.
In 1974 he was appointed as Professor of Industrial Engineering at the University of Newcastle, soon after being appointed Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, a position he held until his retirement in 1993.
Prof Alan Roberts commissions TUNRA Bulk Solids conveyor, University of Newcastle 1986
While performing his full-time duties as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof Roberts grew the consulting activities of TUNRA Bulk Solids. The growth of TUNRA Bulk Solids as a self-funded unit was important to Prof Roberts as it supported the teaching, student project work and research in bulk solids in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Newcastle.
Apart from helping solve practical problems in industry, TUNRA Bulk Solids won a number of research grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and other funding bodies. TUNRA’s reputation grew and academic links with the Faculty of Engineering were strengthened.
A major milestone was achieved in 1995 with the formation of the Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies. The new body was funded by the ARC as a prestigious Key Centre for Teaching and Research. The centre, which had a six-year funding cycle, continues to this day, complementing the consulting activities of TUNRA Bulk Solids.
Prof Roberts has taught almost every subject in the undergraduate degree program in Mechanical Engineering with his main focus being Applied Mechanics, Vibration Theory and Control Systems. In addition, he has had extensive experience in teaching at a post graduate level in various locations around the world.
Prof Alan Roberts teaching in Japan 1981
During his time at the University of Newcastle, Prof Roberts helped drive bulk solids handling more firmly into the teaching curriculum, with, nowadays, one subject in the core Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s degree, and another an elective. Along with his colleagues, Prof Alan Roberts played an instrumental role in the establishment of both the Industrial Development Centre IDC Building and the Advanced Technology Centre ATC Building, at the University of Newcastle.
He has presented and participated with his colleagues in numerous major national and international conferences, and, in 1983, he convened the first International Conference on Bulk Materials Handling in Newcastle, with this event, the “International Conference on Bulk Material Storage, Handling and Transportation ICBMH” continuing every three years to the present day.
Prof Roberts has served on some 25 University committees, in some cases as Chairman and in other cases as a committee member. Outside the University, he has been involved with several Australia-wide committees, notably those of the Institution of Engineers Australia and was responsible for the establishment of the National Committee of Bulk Materials Handling.
Prof Roberts is the Founding Director of TUNRA Bulk Solids and served as Director for over 35 years. He was also Director of the Key Centre for Bulk Solids & Particulate Technologies (CBSPT) when it commenced in 1995.
Emeritus Professor Alan Roberts has been a leading educator and expert in the field who has published, as author/co-author, 6 design manuals, 13 book chapters and over 600 research papers on various aspects of bulk solids handling, all the while working to build the research and consulting capabilities of TUNRA Bulk Solids.
Following Alan’s long-standing commitment to the bulk handling industry, he has developed, guided and led a team of experts at TUNRA Bulk Solids who continue to be at the forefront of the materials handling industry. In 2011, TUNRA Bulk Solids moved from the TA Building at the University of Newcastle to the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources Precinct, NIER. TUNRA provides a range of testing and consulting services to the mining, agriculture and pharmaceutical industries and completes on average 260 projects each year.
TUNRA Bulk Solids Laboratory 2021
Although having formally retired in 1993, Prof Roberts still remains active in his research, consulting and mentoring roles and can generally be found in his office most days.
MAJOR AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
1962 Engineering Applied to Agriculture Award, The Institution of Mechanical Engineers, UK. (For best paper published in Proceedings)
1967 Institution Award Medal, The Institution of Engineers, Australia (for best paper in Transactions)
1982 Sir George Julius Medal, The Institution of Engineers, Australia (for best paper in Transactions of Mechanical College)
1986 Award of Distinction, International. Powders and Bulk Solids Conference, USA.
1989 A.G.M. Michell Medal, The Institution of Engineers, Australia. Highest Award given in Mechanical Engineering.
1989 Elected Fellow, (FTSE) The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
1992 Awarded AM (Member Order of Australia ‐ General Division) for services to mechanical engineering, particularly in bulk solids technology, research and education.
1992 Elected Honorary Fellow, Institution of Engineers, Australia,
1994 Trinity Solids Handling Award, The Institution of Mechanical Engineers, U.K.
1994 Awarded title of Emeritus Professor, The University of Newcastle.
1995 Honorary Doctorate of the University of Newcastle.
1999 Honorary Doctor of Science, University of Wollongong
2000 Award, Australian Bulk Solids Handling Society, Institution of Engineers, Australia
2003 Centenary Medal – Commonwealth of Australia
2006 Lifetime Achievement Award – British Materials Handling Board
2010 Peter Nicol Russell Memorial Medal, the highest Award of the Institution of Engineers, Australia
2017 Elected Fellow (FRSN), Royal Society of NSW
2021 Alumni Excellence Award, Convocation Medal for Exceptional Contribution, the University of Newcastle, Australia
