About

The study of Aerodynamics involves investigation and analysis of a body that moves through air. Our research group focuses on the application of experimental and computational methods to improve understanding of modern aerodynamic design and to help improve efficiency of these vehicles by developing exciting flow control methods.

We work closely with leaders in the transport sector, partnering with flagship UK industry from motorsport, including Formula 1, and world-renowned automotive manufacturers to sector-leading freight and rail transport providers.

In the aerospace industry, we are recognised among the select strategic partners of UK aerospace primes, helping shake up new concepts, improve flight mission planning and engine durability. We are leading UK innovators in unmanned flight platforms and the development of advanced experimental diagnostic tools.

We are passionate about meeting the environmental engineering challenges of the next century, and inspired to shape how transportation technology will continue to impact our lives for the better.

History of aerodynamics at Manchester

Aerodynamics has a 150-year-old tradition at our University. Before the advent of aviation, research was based on mathematical theories, advanced by these eminent academics:

Prof. Osborne Reynolds, FRS (1842-1912, born Belfast) addressed important problems in fluid dynamics, such as turbulent flow and transition to turbulence. The Reynolds number, identified by George Stokes and named by A. Summefeld, recognises his contribution to this field of engineering. Reynolds is also known for the Reynolds analogy, the Reynolds stress tensor, the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations (RANS), and other contributions, both experimental and theoretical.

Prof. Horace Lamb, FRS (1849-1934, born Stockport, Greater Manchester) held the Chair in Mathematics, later Beyer Professorship, and was well known for his contributions to fundamental hydrodynamics. His landmark textbook Hydrodynamics (first edition,1885) is still in print today. Lamb is known for developing the concept of “vortex”, as in the Lamb-Oseen vortex, for the Lamb waves (also Rayleigh-Lamb waves).

Prof. Sydney Goldstein, FRS (1893-1989, born Kingston upon Hull) served as a professor applied mathematics (1945-1950). He made contributions to high-speed aerodynamics (in particular, linearised supersonic flow theory). He was instrumental in establishing the Technion at Haifa, Israel. The aerodynamics laboratories, named after him, were decommissioned in 2008.

Goldstein was followed by Sir James Lighthill, FRS (1924-1998, born Paris), professor of applied mathematics during 1946-1959, with his pioneering research on aerodynamically-generated sound (aero acoustics). He contributed to the understanding of turbulence-generated jet noise (the eighth power equation). The Lighthill equation and the Lighthill acoustic analogy are named after him.

Prof. Sydney Chapman, FRS (1888-1970, born Eccles, Greater Manchester), was professor of applied math at Manchester in 1919-1924. He contributed to the kinetic theory of gas, in particular the Chapman-Enskog theory that links statistical mechanics (Boltzmann gas) to the Navier-Stokes equations. His research expanded into stochastic processes and atmospheric physics.

Many distinguished graduates went on to enjoy illustrious careers in aviation, including Roy Chadwick (1893-1947, born Farnworth, Manchester), graduate of the University in 1911, chief design engineer of the AVRO company, designer of the AVRO Lancaster, Shackleton and other notable aircraft.

Meet the team

Details and contacts for our academic staff, post-docs and PhD researchers.