Abhishek Gautam

Research Associate

Abhishek joined the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic research group in 2017 working on developing state-of-the-art experimental techniques to understand the behaviour of meta-materials for reducing noise from aero-engines and other aircraft components.

Research interests include:

• Helmholtz resonators for aircraft noise reduction
• Space coiling meta-materials for acoustic wave manipulation

Robin Go

Research Associate

Robin (Sung Tyaek)’s research is on the aerodynamics and aeroacoustics of next-generation tilting rotors for Urban Air Mobility applications. Previously, he completed his PhD at the University of Auckland, investigating the noise produced by shrouded Unmanned Aerial Vehicle propellers.  

Research interests: 

• Propeller noise 

Hasan Kamliya Jawahar

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Honorary Research Associate

Hasan's research mainly focuses on computational and experimental methods for airfoil noise as well as approaches for jet noise reduction, and heat transfer. Hasan earned a BEng (Hons) in Aerospace Systems Engineering from Coventry University in 2012 and an MSc in Aerospace Propulsion from Cranfield University in 2014. He then pursed his PhD at Bristol, specifically focusing on experimental and computational studies for high lift airfoils, and airfoils with morphed trailing edges. He was also actively involved in the designing and commissioning of the Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel at Bristol. Upon receiving his PhD in 2019, he went on to conduct further research on jet installation noise abatement.

Research interests include:

• Slat noise and noise mitigation with cove fillets in high-lift device
• Application of morphing structures in reducting airfoil self-noise
• Computational fluid dynamics in fluid-structure interactions
• Jet impingement and heat transfer characteristics

Research projects include:

• Aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance of morphing structures
• Experimental and computational study of high-lift device
• Jet aeroacoustics and installation noise control

Xiao Liu

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Xiao joined the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic research group in 2013 and gained her PhD in 2018. She has since worked as a wind tunnel technical specialist collaborating with the research group on a range of aeroacoustic studies.

Research interests include:

• Noise mitigation strategies using passive flow control treatments (trailing-edge/leading-edge serration, porous material)
• Aerodynamic performance study for aerofoil with edge treatment
• Tandem aerofoil aerodynamics

Current research projects include:

• Aerodynamic and wake development of aerofoils with trailing-edge serration
• Noise control for a tandem aerofoil configuration using edge treatment.

Esmaeel Masoudi

Esmaeel received his PhD from Durham University in Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics in 2023. His doctoral research focused on the phenomena of vortex-induced vibration and vortex shedding behind fixed and oscillating cylinders. He has extensive experience in both numerical analysis (CFD) and experimental work. Numerically, he has utilised LES and high-fidelity simulations to study fluid flow around cylinders. Experimentally, he contributed to the project of the reconstruction of a recirculating wind tunnel at Durham University and used it to conduct experiments on fluid-structure interactions involving flexibly mounted cylinders. 

After completing his PhD, Esmaeel joined the University of Sussex (UoS) as a Research Associate in Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics. In this role, he participated in an Innovate UK-funded project aimed at controlling excess humidity in solar-powered direct drive medical fridges. He designed and executed a series of experiments in a climate chamber to explore potential solutions for reducing humidity and alleviating related issues. 

In 2024, Esmaeel joined the University of Bristol and its Fluid and Aerodynamic Research Group for an EPSRC project on the aeroacoustics of dynamic stall. He is currently collaborating with teams from the University of Bristol, the University of Cambridge, and Queen Mary University of London to investigate the aerodynamics and aeroacoustics of pitching aerofoils using experimental, numerical, and analytical techniques. At the University of Bristol, he leverages cutting-edge facilities, such as the anechoic wind tunnel, for this research. 

Research interests include:

• Flow dynamics and flow-structure interaction  
• Vortex shedding and the phenomena of vortex-induced vibration (VIV) and galloping 
• Hydrodynamics and wave-structure interaction 
• Computational fluid dynamics (LES, RANS) 
• Wind tunnel experiments and the development and application of flow measurement techniques 

Muhammad Rehan Naseer

Rehan's research focuses on computational and experimental aeroacoustics, emphasizing innovative methods for noise reduction. He completed his BS in Mechanical Engineering at the GIK Institute Swabi, in 2014, followed by an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the NUST Islamabad in 2017. He then went on to pursue his PhD at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he specialized in the study of cavity aeroacoustics, employing innovative passive control concepts to explore aeroacoustic-structural interactions. His research also extended to the reduction of airfoil tonal noise and the acoustic scattering from trailing edges. Near the completion of his PhD, he served as a Research Assistant at The Hong Kong PolyU and worked on the design of a reinforced metal foil propeller blade for aerial vehicles.   

Research interests include:  

• Aeroacoustic-structural interaction and its implications for noise reduction 
• Aeroacoustic suppression of cavities, airfoils, flat plates, and cylinders in open flow conditions 
• Implementation of multi-fidelity computational schemes for aeroacoustic predictions 
• Physics-informed design and optimization of propeller blades for improved aerodynamic performance with a reduced acoustic emission footprint 

Burak Turhan

Burak has been a Research Associate at the University of Bristol since June 2022. He received his PhD from the University of Bath, focusing on the unsteady nature of wing vortices and their downstream interactions, and applied qualitative flow visualization techniques in a water tunnel. Throughout his postdoctoral work, his comprehensive insights extended to his completed SilentProp project under Horizon 2020/Clean Sky, where he played a key role in assessing the acoustic footprint of Distributed Electric Propulsion systems within the precision of an anechoic wind tunnel. Currently, his focus lies on studying turbulent flow across fluid-saturated complex porous media. Burak's innovative methods include additive manufacturing, refractive index matching, and Particle Image Velocimetry, showcasing his broad expertise in wind tunnel tests, test rig design, and the creation of refractive index matching facilities.

Soner Bilyaz

Soner joined the research group in April 2024, and is working on the aeroacoustic Design and Optimisation of Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) propulsion systems. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree in 2019 from the Middle East Technical University (METU) Mechanical Engineering Department, and his Master's Degree in 2023 from the METU Aerospace Engineering Department. He mostly studies propulsor-airframe integration topics and also has some experience in experimental fluid mechanics and test bench preparation. In addition to this, he worked in industry for two years.  

Research interests include:

• Computational Aeroacoustics  
• Design and Optimization of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) propulsion systems for higher aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance 
• Experimental Fluid Mechanics and Flow Measurement Techniques 
• Computational Fluid Dynamics 
• Boundary Layer Ingested Propulsion Systems 
• Turbomachinery and Propeller Design&Analysis 

Soner's research project is: eVTOLUTION (eVTOL mUlti-fideliTy hybrid desIgn and Optimization for low Noise and high aerodynamic performance)   

John Branch

John joined the aerodynamics and aeroacoustics research group in November 2019 to work on aerofoil self-noise and their prediction.

John's research project title is: Aerodynamics and aeroacoustics of aerofoils at high angles of attack.

Fachrurrazi Burhanuddin

Fachrurrazi graduated from the Indonesian Civil Aviation Institute with a degree in Aircraft Engineering in 2012. Following his graduation, Fachrurrazi began working at the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, where he have been employed to date. In 2019, He pursued further studies at Cranfield University, earning an MSc in Thermal Power with a specialization in Gas Turbine Technology. In February 2023, Fachrurrazi continued his doctoral studies at the University of Bristol in Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics Research Group. 

Fachrurrazi’s research primarily focuses on the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic characteristics of ducted propellers in Urban Air Mobility applications. Specifically, He utilize experimental methods to investigate these areas. Fachrurrazi is involved in developing innovative approaches for reducing noise and enhancing aerodynamic performance in ducted propellers.  

Research interests include: 

• Aerodynamic performance of ducted propellers 
• Aeroacoustic noise reduction techniques for urban air mobility 

 Research projects include: 

• Aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance of ducted propellers 
• Noise mitigation strategies for urban air mobility vehicles 
• Experimental studies of ducted propeller configurations 
• Development and optimization of experimental setups for aeroacoustic analysis 

Matheus Rocha Marques De Almeida

Matheus joined the University of Bristol in April 2023. He obtained a BSc and MSc in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 2021 and 2024, respectively, where he was funded by Shell company. His research primarily focused on turbulent flows and heat transfer in closed cavities and scalar dispersion using CFD tools as OpenFOAM and Fluent. During his MSc, he developed a new methodology to obtain the transverse dispersion coefficient from porous media in pore-scale modelled by PNM approach.

His research is funded by the Horizon Europe MODELAIR project (Marie-Curie Doctoral Network fellowship), he specialises in wind tunnel experimental methods, atmospheric and turbulent boundary layer flows, fluid mechanics and their applications.

Matheus' main interests include:

• experimental fluid mechanics
• CFD
• air pollution
• scalar dispersion
• turbulent flow
• heat transfer

Forrest Han

Forrest has been a PhD student in the aeroacoustics research group since September 2023, following his MEng degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bristol. Forrest’s research mainly focuses on the aeroacoustic and aerodynamic characteristics of Distributed Electric Propulsion vehicles through experimental and numerical approaches. As a part of the INDIGO EU Project, he is currently working on a set of experimental aerodynamic and noise emission measurements to help validate the numerical results from project partners, as well as examining advanced noise reduction techniques to better understand and improve the effectiveness and robustness of these methods.  

Research interests include: 

• Experimental aeroacoustic and aerodynamic characteristics of various Distributed Electric Propulsion configurations 
• Advanced passive and active noise reduction technologies for multiple-propeller configurations 
• Numerical modelling of aerodynamics and aeroacoustics of propellers 

Liam Hanson

Liam joined the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic research group as a PhD student in 2020 after completing his MEng in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol.

Research interests include:

• Performance of modern propellers in the context of “Future Flight” configurations
• Noise mitigation strategies using surface treatments
• Use of Microelectrical-Mechanical System (MEMS) microphones in aeroacoustic measurements

Liam's research project is: Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics of Novel Propellers.

Luis Fernando Lopes De Moraes Filho

PhD Researcher

Luis Fernando joined the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic research group as a PhD student in September 2023 after a 12-year experience as Product Development Engineer at Embraer - Brazil. He completes his MEng in Aeronautical Engineering at Aeronautics Institute of Technology (ITA - Instituto Tecnologico de Aeronautica - SP/Brazil).   

Research interests include: 

• Employ mixed-fidelity numerical tools to evaluate single and distributed electric propulsion (DEP) systems noise generation and porpagation 
• Elucidate further the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic characteristics of DEP configurations with simulations in a close couple with experiments 
• Explore advanced data-driven methods on multi-fidelity models 

Shaiful Hakim Bin Mohamed Noor

PhD Researcher

Hakim's recent research primarily concentrates on surface treatment in non-equilibrium turbulent boundary layers in a wind tunnel, using particle image velocimetry (PIV), with a specific focus on vortex generators. His responsibilities include designing, fabricating, and installing experimental setups, data collection and programming for post-processing and conducting streamwise and spanwise airflow measurements in wind tunnels.  

Research interests include:

• Aerofoil, Helicopter Rotor, Vortex Generator and Aerodynamics structures designs 
• Thermal machinery, Combustion dan Propulsion system 
• Hydrodynamics  
   

Skills and Expertise: 

• Fluid Mechanics and Experimental Aerodynamics 
• Design and Manufacturing 
• Aircraft Airworthiness 
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Programming 
• Rocket Propulsion 
• Control Systems  

Academic Background: 

• Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie (Diploma) in Energy and Thermal Engineering, Université Blaise Pascal, France, 2006. 
• Licence Professionnelle (Bachelor) in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Université Paris Est, France, 2007. 
  Maîtrise (MEng) in Energy, and Aerospace and Terrestrial Propulsion, Université Paris 10, France, 2009. 
• Master Recherche (MSc) in Aerospace Propulsion and Energy Engineering, Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense, France, 2010. 
• Aerospace Control System Engineering (AIRBUS off-set specialized program) ISAE-SUPAERO, France, 2017 

Shaun Pullin

PhD Researcher

Shaun's research area is primarily focused on the development of numerical methods for the aerodynamic and acoustic modelling of propellers, distributed propulsion systems and propulsor-vehicle integration. Shaun graduated from the University of Bristol in 2020 with a MEng (Hons) in Aerospace Engineering. He then began a PhD at the University of Bristol in 2021, with a project focused on the modelling of aerodynamics and acoustics of distributed propulsion systems. 

Research interests include:

• Development of computationally efficient simulation tools to quickly predict the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of propeller-based propulsion systems. 
• Optimization of propeller blade design, operation and installation using adjoint-based methodologies. 
• Acceleration of computational methods by exploiting GPU hardware. 
• High-fidelity, scale-resolving propeller simulations using LES, from grid generation to result post-processing. 
• Development of physics-informed machine learning methods to improve both the design space and time-to-solution of computational tools. 

Nada Taouil

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Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher

Nada joined the University of Bristol in September 2023. She obtained a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2018 and an MSc in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Glasgow in 2023. Her research primarily focuses on optimisation methods and their applications in aerodynamics, atmospheric boundary layer flows, and turbulent flows. Additionally, she specialises in wind tunnel experimental methods and their applications in wall-bounded flows and fluid mechanics.   

Research interests include:

• Optimisation methods and their applications in aerodynamics  
• Experimental fluid mechanics and aerodynamics  
• Atmospheric and turbulent boundary layer flows  
• Scalar dispersion and turbulent mixing   
• Air pollution.   

Nada's research project title is: Experimental measurements to study the influence of the pollutant release. 

Leo Trascinelli

PhD Researcher

Leo's research mainly focuses on numerical simulations of turbulence interaction with propellers and airfoils and their noise characteristics. Leo earned a MEng (Hons) in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Bristol in 2017. He then started his PhD, remaining at the University of Bristol and is using the unsteady Computational Fluid Dynamics solver SIMULIA PowerFLOW to simulate cylinder-induced propeller turbulence ingestion, propeller installation effects, and turbulence impingement on airfoils. Noise characterisation and understanding of noise generation mechanisms with applications in Urban Air Mobility aircraft is the main focus of Leo's research.  
Research interests include: 

• Computational aeroacoustics - noise source identification 
• Computational fluid dynamics of propellers 
• CFD aided flow visualisation   

Research projects include: 

• Large and small scale cylinder-induced turbulence ingestion in forward flight propellers 
• Aeroacoustics of propeller installation effects in the vicinity of a wing 
• Fundamental analysis of grid-generated turbulence distortion 

Christopher Yi

PhD Researcher

Chris joined the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic research group as a PhD student in 2022 after completing his MEng degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bristol. His research interests are: 

• Experimental characterisation of tandem-rotor aeroacoustics at high subsonic tip Mach number (M ~= 0.5) 
• Aerodynamic performance and flow-field measurements of tandem-rotor in non-axial inflow 
• Noise mitigation using blade-level features, porous materials, and system-level optimisation 

Chris’ research project is: Multi-rotor Aerodynamics and Noise for Next-Generation Propulsion. 

Ismaeel Zaman

Ismaeel is a dedicated member of the aerodynamics and aeroacoustics research team at the University of Bristol, currently contributing to the ENODISE project. His work focuses on experimentally investigating propeller aeroacoustics in installed configurations. Ismaeel's role Involves designing and constructing the experimental setups, carrying out extensive data collection, and employing new post-processing techniques to comprehensively analyse the aeroacoustic characteristics of the boundary layer ingestion configuration.

Ismaeel's research areas include:  

• Propeller aeroacoustics 
• Propeller acoustic installation effects 
• Experimental aeroacoustic measurement techniques