Ron Hugo
Positions
Professor
Schulich School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Director
Schulich School of Engineering, Pipeline Engineering Centre
Contact information
Phone number
Office: +1 (403) 220-2283
Preferred method of communication
Background
Educational Background
Doctor of Philosophy Aerospace Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 1995
M.S. Aerospace Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 1991
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Calgary, 1989
Biography
Dr. Hugo is Professor and Director of the Pipeline Engineering Centre at the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary. He is Senior Chair in Engineering Education Innovation in the Schulich School of Engineering. He has served as Department Head of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (2006-2013), Associate Dean Teaching & Learning (2014-2017), Technical Chair of the CDIO International Conference (2010-2013), CDIO International Co-Director (2012-2018), and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education (2021-2023). Prior to joining the University of Calgary in 1999, Dr. Hugo spent four years working as a Research Scientist with the US Air Force Research Laboratory in Albuquerque, NM where he investigated the impact of atmospheric turbulence on laser-based directed energy systems.
Research
Areas of Research
Dr. Hugo’s research interests include the development of methods for pipeline system health monitoring, the use of optical-based measurements for the investigation of multiphase flow and hydrogen-methane blends, and engineering education.
Participation in university strategic initiatives
Courses
| Course number | Course title | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| ENME 630 LEC 01 | Fndmtl's Liquid Hydrl'c Pipelines | Fall 2024 |
| ENME 471 LEC 01 | Heat Transfer | Winter 2025 |
Projects
Using a flow facility in the Advanced Pipeline Research and Innovation Laboratory (APRIL), the mechanical signatures associated with pipeline failure events (pinhole, rupture) are investigated under flowing (operational Reynolds number) conditions. At a fixed flow rate, failure is initiated through an increase in system pressure, replicating a real-world leak scenario.
The algorithms that we develop in the laboratory are tested and refined through field test experiments. These experiments require attention to details that we do not encounter while conducting experiments in the laboratory (no power, no internet, etc.), but they provide us with data collected on operational systems. This helps to advance the goals of our research.
Using a multiphase flow facility, investigations are performed using Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Algorithms to map mechanical vibration signatures to multiphase flow pattern for non-intrusive identification of flow pattern.
Research investigations examining the behaviour of blends of Hydrogen and Methane in concentrations ranging from 10% to 30% Hydrogen are being performed. Reynolds numbers range from no-flow (Re=0) to fully turbulent flow conditions (Re=5,500).
Awards
- SSE Service and Leadership Excellence, 2023
- SSE Remote Teaching Award, 2021
- Finalist - Best Paper Competition, ASME IPC 2018 Technical Committee. 2018
- 2017 McCaig-Killam Teaching Award, University of Calgary. 2017
- Students Union Teaching Excellence Nomination, 2016
- Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Professor of the Year Award, 2016
- Distinguished Graduate, 2008
- Wighton Fellowship by the Sanford Fleming Foundation, 2008
- Top 40 Alumnus of the University of Calgary, 2006
- Students Union Teaching Excellence Honorable Mention Award, 2006
- Engineering Students’ Society Teaching Excellence Award, 2006
- Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Professor of the Year Award, 2005
- Students Union Teaching Excellence Honorable Mention Award, 2005
- APEGGA Excellence in Education Summit Award, 2004
- Department Teaching Excellence Award, 2004
- Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Professor of the Year Award, 2004
- Faculty of Engineering Teaching Excellence Award, 2003
- Department Teaching Excellence Award, 2003
- Students Union Teaching Excellence Honorable Mention Award, 2002
- Department Teaching Excellence Award, 2002
- Students Union Teaching Excellence Honorable Mention Award, 2001
- Faculty of Engineering Teaching Excellence Award, 2001
- Department Teaching Excellence Award, 2001
- Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Professor of the Year Award, 2001
- Students Union Teaching Excellence Award, 2000
- Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Professor of the Year Award, 2000
Publications
- Hydrogen and odorized methane blends under variable Reynolds number conditions with and without leaks. Singh, N., Gracia, L., Park, S., Hugo, R., Fusco, J.. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 1288-1297. (2024)
- Artificial intelligence based leak detection in blended hydrogen and natural gas pipelines. Cristello, J.B., Dang, Z., Hugo, R., Park, S.S.. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 91: 744-764. (2024)
- An AI-based monitoring system for external disturbance detection and classification near a buried pipeline. Chen, H., Wong, R., Park, S., Hugo, R.. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing. (2023)
- Feasibility analysis of blending hydrogen into natural gas networks. Cristello, J.B., Yang, J.M., Hugo, R., Lee, Y., Park, S.S.. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. (2023)
- Robust CNN-based flow pattern Identification for horizontal gas-liquid pipe flow using flow-induced vibration. Chen, H., Dang, Z., Park, S.S., Hugo, R.. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science. (2023)
- Dynamic Stress Analysis of Multi-segment Curved Pipes Subjected to the Passage of an ILI Tool. Mostaghimi, H., Rezvani, S., Chune, R., Hugo, R., Park, S.. Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology. (2023)
- Pipeline Leak and Volume Rate Detection Through Artificial Intelligence and Vibration Analysis Measurement. Yang, M., Mostaghimi, H., Hugo, R., Park, S.. Measurement. (2022)
- Transferable Pipeline Rupture Detection using Multiple Artificial Intelligence Classifiers During Transient Operations. MacDonald, C., Yang, M., Learn, S., Park, S., Hugo, R.. Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology. (2021)
- Dynamic Stress Analysis of Exposed Pipes Subjected to Moving In-line Inspection Tool. Mostaghimi, H., Hassani, M., Yu, D., Hugo, R., Park, S. . Journal of Vibration and Acoustics. (2021)
- Optimal Locations for Non-Destructive Inspections to Verify Direct Assessment of Internally Corroded Pipelines. Melo, C., Dann, M., Hugo, R., Janeta, A.. Upstream Oil and Gas Technology. (2020)
- Extreme value modeling of localized internal corrosion in unpiggable pipelines. Melo, C., Dann, M., Hugo, R., Janeta, A.. International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping. (2020)
- Intensive pulsed light sintered flexible conductive hybrid ink in 3D printed polymers. Sandwell, A., Kockerbeck, Z., Park, C.I., Hassani, M., Hugo, R., Park, S.S.. Flexible and Printed Electronics. (2020)
- Understanding Informal Feedback to Improve Online Course Design. Meikleham, A., Hugo, R.. European Journal of Engineering Education. (2020)
- Operational Modal Response Characterization of Pipeline Systems through Reynolds Number Variation. Chen, H., Hugo, R., Park, S.. (2019)
- A Framework for Risk-Based Integrity Assessment of Unpiggable Pipelines Subject to Internal Corrosion. Melo, C., Dann, M., Hugo, R., Janeta, A.. Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology. (2019)
- Development of nanocomposite coatings with improved mechanical, thermal, and corrosion protection properties. TabkhPaz M., Park, D-Y, Lee, P.C., Hugo, R., Park, S.S.. Journal of Composite Materials. (2018)
In the News
- Why did Calgary's feeder main break? A new report shares the answer. CTV News. (2024)
- Failure of Calgary feeder main was assessed as ‘low probability’ ahead of rupture. Global News. (2024)
- UCalgary’s new flow facility helps advance research into pipeline leak detection. UToday. (2024)
- 12 wire snaps found since Calgary’s feeder main brought back into service. CityNews. (2024)
- Trans Mountain, with its pipeline threatened in Jasper wildfire, has long said wildfire risk is ‘low’. The Narwhal. (2024)
- Third wire snap found along Calgary feeder main as work continues to stabilize pipe. CityNews. (2024)
More Information
YouTube Channel Courses: Mechanical Engineering Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and Introductory Fluid Mechanics
Pipeline Engineering Centre: Video Introduction
Group Study Program to China (2010-2018) - Solving Global Problems: Video Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Renewable Energy
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