Dr. Michael Birk

Professor

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Biography

Michael Birk is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Queen's University. His research focuses on the effects of fires on pressure vessels and hazardous materials, specifically analyzing boiling liquid expanding vapor explosions (BLEVE). Birk's work involves both experimental and computational methods, contributing to the fields of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics with a strong emphasis on industrial applications. He has conducted large-scale fire research and computer simulations to study how pressure vessels respond to fire scenarios. His laboratories house significant research projects related to gas turbines and thermal hazards, where he explores thermographic methods and health monitoring for micro gas turbines. A dedicated educator, Birk teaches courses related to radiative heat transfer and thermal-fluids engineering, guiding graduate students through hands-on research and complex modeling tasks. His extensive funding history includes grants from NSERC and various government and private sectors, allowing sustained research and development in his areas of expertise.

Research Interests

Courses

MECH 936 Radiative Heat Transfer MECH 940 Selected Topics Thermal-Fluids Engineering

Requirements for Queen's University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:88
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Honours Bachelor degree Background in Computing, Mathematics, Statistics, or Engineering
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Research Interest
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Two academic references
  • Transcripts
Specialization Notes

Department of Computing offers research-based, project-based, and course-based patterns.