David A. Torvi B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., P.Eng.

Fluid Dynamics, Thermal Sciences and Energy

Prior to joining the University of Saskatchewan, Prof. Torvi worked as a Research Officer with the Fire Research Program at the National Research Council of Canada. Before beginning graduate studies, he spent three years in industry designing HVAC equipment. Prof. Torvi is active in a number of technical societies and standards organizations, including ASEE, ASTM, CGSB, ULC and SFPE.

Teaching Interests

Prof. Torvi teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in thermal fluids and design. He also offers a technical elective in Fire Protection Engineering (ME 478), one of only a few courses in this area in North America. Prof. Torvi has published several papers on course development, fire protection engineering education, and engineering education instructional programs for graduate students.

Research Interests

Prof. Torvi and his students conduct numerical and experimental research aimed at improving the knowledge of heat transfer in materials under high heat flux conditions. His research has been funded by NSERC, CFI and the Canadian Space Agency. Current research projects include:

• modeling heat transfer in thermal protective clothing and human skin,
• evaluating the performance and durability of protective clothing,
• modeling effects of fire on buildings and the environment,
• correlating small and full-scale fire test results of building materials and consumer products.