PUBLICATIONS
Scientific Journal Articles, Peer-reviewed Conference Proceedings, Book Chapters, and Theses
Peer-reviewed Journal Articles
Unlocking Knowledge: The Importance of Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles in Engineering Research
At Simmons Engineering, we believe that knowledge is power and that informed decisions are crucial for pushing the boundaries of innovation. Peer-reviewed journal articles stand as a cornerstone in our research endeavors, providing critical insights and validated findings that drive advancements in engineering, product development, and renewable resource management.
Below is a list of peer-reviewed publications that have advanced their respective engineering fields. Click on an article to view an open-access pre-print of the publication.
Modelling the fill height gradient in Archimedes screw pumps
S.C. Simmons, C.E. Mendes, W.D. Lubitz
Journal of Hydraulic Research, 2026
Developed and validated the Fill Height Gradient (FHG) model for Archimedes screw pumps, representing the first modernization of heuristic design standards established in 1932. By explicitly accounting for dynamic water level decreases during transport and leveraging a 33.7-fold geometric scaling analysis, the model demonstrates significant accuracy gains over traditional assumptions, providing a validated framework for modern industrial and wastewater applications.
A green energy framework and perspectives for off-grid industrial buildings in cold climates
L.G.T.C. Melo, N. Weiler, S.C. Simmons, F.D. de Menezes, W.D. Lubitz
Applied Energy, 2026
Synthesized current literature on integrating high-performance Passive House envelopes with diverse renewable generation and storage technologies for off-grid industrial buildings in cold climates. The analysis highlights that combining central photovoltaics with complementary wind and thermal storage, coordinated through intelligent energy management systems, provides a resilient and cost-effective pathway to year-round, carbon-neutral operation.
Analytical model for Archimedes screw generators with rotating trough
X. Brunissen, G. Dellinger, N. Dellinger, L. Duarte,
S.C. Simmons, A. Terfous, A. Ghenaim
Journal of Hydraulic Research, 2025
Developed and validated a new analytical model for designing rotating-trough Archimedes screw generators (RASGs), a type of hydropower technology for low-head sites. The model was accurate within a relative error of 9% when compared to experimental data, and the RASG achieved efficiencies up to 90%, confirming its potential as a competitive alternative to traditional screws.
Modelling outlet power loss in Archimedes screw generators
S.C. Simmons, W.D. Lubitz
Flow, 2025
A new model for predicting outlet power loss in Archimedes screw generators (ASGs) significantly improves the accuracy of overall performance predictions, reducing the average error to 13.68% compared to a previous model's 42.55%. The enhanced model, which was developed using extensive experimental and real-world data, is a powerful tool for optimizing ASG design to achieve higher efficiencies and better returns on investment.
Effects of parameter scaling on Archimedes screw generator performance
S.C. Simmons, G. Dellinger, W.D. Lubitz
Energies, 2023
This novel investigation presents first-of-kind data and analysis to the literature; much-needed to more optimally design this eco-friendly hydropower technology across a wide range of sizes and scales.
Archimedes screw generator powerplant assessment and field measurement campaign
S.C. Simmons, C. Elliott, M. Ford, A. Clayton, W.D. Lubitz
Energy for Sustainable Development, 2021
Documenting a wide-ranging field investigation of operating powerplants in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Italy. This investigation and analysis yielded valuable insight on designing and operating Archimedes screw generator powerplants.
Archimedes screw generators for sustainable micro-hydropower production
S.C. Simmons, W.D. Lubitz
International Journal of Energy Research, 2021
This paper discusses the current state of the literature for Archimedes screw generators, and highlights areas for future research to improve power prediction and optimization capabilities for researchers and industrial designers.
The effects of inclination angle on Archimedes screw generator power production with constant head
S.C. Simmons, G. Dellinger, M. Lyons, A. Terfous, A. Ghenaim, W.D. Lubitz
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 2021
Laboratory experiments and computational fluid dynamic simulations were conducted to suggest that the ideal inclination angle for Archimedes screw generators is commonly between 20° and 25°.
Analysis of internal fluid motion in an Archimedes screw using computational fluid mechanics
S.C. Simmons, W.D. Lubitz
Journal of Hydraulic Research, 2021
Two computational fluid dynamic models were developed to analyse internal fluid mechanics in an operating Archimedes screw generator's buckets. This highly theoretical study in the highly acclaimed Journal of Hydraulic Research provides valuable insights on the fluid mechanics involved with this hydropower technology.
Experimental investigation of Archimedes screw pump
M. Lyons, S.C. Simmons, M. Fisher, J.S. Williams, W.D. Lubitz
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 2020
Before this study's publication, the state-of-the-art research for Archimedes screw pumps dated back to 1932. This study introduced modern experimental and numerical techniques to this long-forgotten field of research.
Effect of slope and number of blades on Archimedes screw generator power output
G. Dellinger, S.C. Simmons, P.-A. Garambois, N. Dellinger, W.D. Lubitz
Renewable Energy, 2018
This study explored the impact of screw geometry on performance. It found that screw generators with 4 or 5 blades converted electricity most efficiently between 20° and 24.5°, and that 3-bladed screws operated more efficiently at angles closer to 15°.
Performance model of Archimedes screw hydro turbines with variable fill level
W.D. Lubitz, M. Lyons, S.C. Simmons
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 2014
This article presents a novel performance prediction model for Archimedes screw hydropower generators. Accurate models like these are incredibly important when designing reliable, efficient hydropower plants. This article was fundamental to the development of a decade-long research program optimizing the design of Archimedes screw generators; the result of which produced active, efficient, eco-friendly hydropower installations.
Peer-reviewed Conference Proceedings
Elevating Research Through Peer-Reviewed Conference Proceedings
At Simmons Engineering, we believe in the power of collaboration and dialogue to drive innovation in the field of engineering. Our commitment to producing and presenting our high-quality engineering research exemplifies our dedication to advancing sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
Experimental measurement of gap leakage and the fill height gradient in Archimedes screw pumps
S.C. Simmons, M. Manor, A. Dorier, C.E. Mendes, W.D. Lubitz
Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering and Computational Fluid Dynamics Society of Canada International Congress
May 25-28, 2025
ETS, Montreal(Canada)
Manufacturing through millenia: A structural investigation of Archimedes screws
S.C. Simmons, W.D. Lubitz
Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering and Computational Fluid Dynamics Society of Canada International Congress
May 25-28, 2025
ETS, Montreal(Canada)
Sloshing phenomenon in Archimedes screw pumps
S.C. Simmons, W.D. Lubitz
Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering International Congress
26-28 May 2024
University of Toronto, Toronto (Canada)
Experimental study of gap leakage in Archimedes screw pumps
S.C. Simmons, A. Dorier, C. Mendes, G. Dellinger, W.D. Lubitz
Canadian Society for Civil Engineering International Congress
05-07 June 2024
Marriott Fallsview Hotel, Niagara Falls (Canada)
Development of a computational fluid dynamics model for Archimedes screw pumps
S.C. Simmons, G. Dellinger, C. Mendes, W.D. Lubitz
Canadian Society for Civil Engineering International Congress
23-27 May 2023
Delta Hotels Beausejour, Moncton (Canada)
An experimental study of Archimedes screw pump efficiency
S.C. Simmons, L. Miller, F. Saudagar, C. Mendes, A. Yoosefdoost, W.D. Lubitz
The Joint Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering and CFD Society of Canada International Congress
28-31 May 2023
Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke (Canada)
Scaling effects on Archimedes screw generators
S.C. Simmons, G. Dellinger, W.D. Lubitz
Hydro 2022
25-27 April 2022
Palais de la Musique et des Congrès, Strasbourg (France)
Review and evaluation of Archimedes screw pump design guidance
S.C. Simmons, M. Lyons, L. Miller, W.D. Lubitz
Responsible Engineering and Living (REAL) Symposium
23-24 June 2022
E.D. Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation, Windsor (Canada)
An updated model for gap leakage in Archimedes screw generators
S.C. Simmons, W.D. Lubitz
Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering International Congress
05-08 June 2022
University of Alberta, Edmonton (Canada)
Dynamic overflow leakage in Archimedes screw generators
S.C. Simmons, G. Dellinger, A.A. Aliabadi, W.D. Lubitz
Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering International Congress
27-30 June 2021
University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown (Canada)
Outlet loss in Archimedes screw generators
S.C. Simmons, A.A. Aliabadi, G. Dellinger, W.D. Lubitz
Annual Conference of the Computational Fluid Dynamics Society of Canada
27-29 July 2021
Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's (Canada)
Effects of varying inclination angle on Archimedes screw generator power production with constant head
S.C. Simmons, M. Lyons, G. Dellinger, W.D. Lubitz
The Joint Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering and CFD Society of Canada International Congress
02-05 June 2019
Western University, London (Canada)
Experimental investigation of an Archimedes screw pump
M. Lyons, S. Simmons, W.D. Lubitz
The Joint Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering and CFD Society of Canada International Congress
02-05 June 2019
Western University, London (Canada)
Inlet channel effects on Archimedes screw generators
A. Khan, S. Simmons, M. Lyons, W.D. Lubitz
Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering International Congress
27-30 May 2018
York University, Toronto (Canada)
Archimedes screw generators for sustainable energy development
S.C. Simmons, W.D. Lubitz
IEEE Canada International Humanitarian Technology Conference
21-22 July 2017
University of Toronto, Toronto (Canada)
Experimental investigation of the factors affecting Archimedes screw generator power output
S.C. Simmons, K. Songin, W.D. Lubitz
Hydro 2017
09-11 October 2017
Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de Sevilla, Seville (Spain)
Book Chapters
Collaboration with Technical Book Chapters
At Simmons Engineering, we continue to contribute to collections of technical book chapters that equip professionals and researchers around the globe with the expertise needed to tackle today's challenges in engineering and renewable resources.
16. Development of a computational fluid dynamics model for Archimedes screw pumps
S.C. Simmons, G. Dellinger, C. Mendes, W.D. Lubitz
Proceedings of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Annual Conference 2023, Volume 9
This chapter outlines the development of a novel, state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamic model for Archimedes screw pumps. The numerical model was used to simulate screw pump performance across a wide range of operating conditions.
Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering
© 2024 Springer Nature
10. Review and evaluation of Archimedes screw pump design guidance
S.C. Simmons, L. Miller, W.D. Lubitz
Responsible Engineering and Living
This chapter reviews and documents the historical literature on Archimedes screw pumps. From the Neo-Assyrian Empire to Egypt, and the Dutch Golden Age to modern times, Archimedes screws have a storied history as the worlds most robust, eco-friendly pumping technology.
Springer Proceedings in Energy
© 2023 Springer Nature
Theses
Revolutionizing Research with Impactful Theses
At Simmons Engineering, we pride ourselves on our authentic approach to research and product development, championing sustainable solutions that redefine the landscape of the engineering industry. We integrate cutting-edge technology with modern practices to create robust and eco-friendly innovations that resonate globally.
An experimental and numerical analysis of parameter scaling in Archimedes screw generators
S.C. Simmons
University of Guelph, 2021
Advised by Dr. W.D. Lubitz, this thesis documented the development of a full-scale, dynamically-meshed computational fluid dynamics model of Archimedes screw generators. The model was validated by first-of-kind data from full-scale powerplants and laboratory-scale experiments. Results were analysed to quantify the impact of scaling various design parameters on powerplant performance.
© Scott C. Simmons, 2021
A computational fluid dynamic analysis of Archimedes screw generators
S.C. Simmons
University of Guelph, 2018
Advised by Dr. W.D. Lubitz, this thesis documented the development of two computational fluid dynamics models of Archimedes screw generators for hydropower production. The models simulated complex fluid dynamic phenomena in operating powerplants; with a focus on quantifying internal fluid motion, streamlines, and leakage.
© Scott C. Simmons, 2018