PhD thesis submitted

After 4.5 years, 5.5 overall with the MSc component of the Doctoral Training program, my PhD journey is coming to an end.
360 pages, and this figure inspires me with an analogy of the completion of my research study and the expertise I acquired in particle technology achieving the objective of my project: creating a model for the prediction of particle breakage in agitated drying conditions.

The difficulties related to the Covid-19 pandemic has taught me how to adapt to radically new constraints and work practice, strengthening my resilience through this challenging period.

With a coming viva, scientific papers to write and conferences to prepare, the feeling of emptiness and satisfaction after pressing the “Submit” button was quickly replaced with the motivation to accomplish a novel objective. As the proverb says: “the end is only the beginning”.

Looking back at those years, I want to acknowledge the help and support I’ve received during my PhD.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Professor Andrew Bayly for his wise supervision during my PhD. His expertise in the domain of particle processing and distinct element modelling methods has been crucial in determining the framework of my project and the progression of my research.
I am also grateful to Professor Frans Muller for co-supervising my PhD and providing such stimulating research environment and discussions. His advice has been essential in the development of new analytical techniques, especially in data science and coding.
I am indebted to Doctor Claire MacLeod for her close industrial co-supervision throughout my thesis and for her thoughtful support during my research placement at AstraZeneca on the Macclesfield site.

Doctor Yi He has played an important role in developing my understanding of the limitations and good practice of DEM simulation work. Doctor Ioannis Fragkopoulos’ guidance was valuable during the first stage of my PhD and in the writing of my first publication. They accompanied me during my first conferences and have become mentors and friends.
My greatest thanks to Doctor Simon Connell who co-supervised my first research study in Leeds. He provided a fantastic lab environment for me to receive training to use atomic force microscopy.

I would like to thank the University of Leeds, EPSRC and AstraZeneca for sponsoring my PhD and giving me the wonderful chance to complete a research degree in the UK.

Finally, I would like to express gratitude from the bottom of my heart to my parents for their unconditional support through my life and encouraging me throughout my PhD.