Background:

Duncan joined the Loughborough / Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Combustion System Aerothermal Processes, in 1996 obtaining a PhD in Gas Turbine Aerodynamics in 2001. After a period as a post-doc Duncan became a Lecturer in 2011, a Senior Lecturer in 2014, a Reader in 2019 and a Professor of Applied Aerodynamics in 2023. Duncan’s academic strengths lie in a strong synergy between his research and teaching. He has more than 25 years of research experience in the experimental and computational study of the internal flows within modern gas turbines. His work within the Rolls-Royce/Loughborough University Technology Centre (UTC) has contributed to developing the next generation of gas turbines with increased efficiency, reduced fuel burn and reduced emissions. This continues in his role as Academic Lead in the National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology (NCCAT) and Co-I for the EPRSC Centre of Doctoral Training in Future Propulsion and Power. Duncan’s industry driven research provides both social and economic benefits to both the aerospace and the wider community. In his teaching, Duncan strives to use this state-of-the-art research to inspire and train the next generation of world leading engineers. Engaging students with the real problems faced by the aerospace industry allows them to understand the future landscape and apply their knowledge in meaningful way. Duncan is a great believer in learning by experience and application. 

Qualifications

• PhD, “Experimental and Computational Study of Hybrid Diffusers for Radially Staged Combustors”, Loughborough University, 2002.
• BEng  1st Class in Aeronautical Engineering, Loughborough University, 1994.
• Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
• Chartered Engineer (via the Royal Aeronautical Society).
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Key awards and accomplishments 

• Best Paper Awards
  • “Enhanced External Aerodynamic Performance of a Generic Combustor Using and Integrated OGV/Pre-Diffuser Design Technique”, Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo 2006: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition, Barcelona, Spain, June 2006, https:///10.1115/GT-2006-90184.
  • “The Influence of Fan Root Flow on the Aerodynamic of a Low-Pressure Compressor Transition Duct”, Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo 2019: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, June 2019, https://doi.org/10.1115/GT2019-92048.

Experimental and computational study of the internal flows within modern gas turbines. Fundamentally this includes diffusing flows, boundary layer separation, wake mixing, secondary flows, and the effects of swirl, curvature and pressure gradients. Extends to more applied systems such as low emission combustor architectures, the compressor/combustor interface, integrated outlet guide vane design, advanced pre-diffuser development, fuel injector design, the combustor/turbine interface and transition duct aerodynamics. Ground vehicle aerodynamics, cycling aerodynamics, advanced experimental techniques, and computational fluid dynamics.

Research Groups:

Grants and contracts:

• CAVENDISH - Consortium for the AdVent of aero-Engine Demonstration and aircraft Integration Strategy with Hydrogen, EU and Innovate UK, 2023 – 2026.
• HYEST – Hydrogen Engine System Technologies, Innovate UK, 2022 – 2025.
• KTP in Compressor Transition Ducts, Rolls-Royce and Innovate UK, 2021 – 2023.
• EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Power and Propulsion, 2019 – 2027.
• IDA – Intermediate Compressor Case Duct Aerodynamics, EU Clean Sky 2, 2018 – 2020.
• ELECT – Enhanced Low Emission Combustion Technology, Innovate UK, 2017 – 2020.
• iCORE – Integrated Core Technologies – Innovate UK, 2016 – 2019.
• UltraFan Matrix Air Cooled Oil Cooler Installation, Rolls-Royce, 2016 – 2017.
• ESPRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Gas Turbine Aerodynamics, 2014 – 2022.
• Modelling Capability for Air Flow within Turbine Case Cooling Systems, Rolls-Royce, 2013 – 2016.
• NADIT – Novel Aerodynamic Design and Integration Technologies, TSB, 2013 – 2016.
• Cooled Cooling Air System Aerodynamics, Rolls-Royce, 2013 – 2018.
• LEMCOTEC – Low Emissions Core Engine Technologies, EU FP7, 2011 – 2015.
• IMPACT_AE – Intelligent Design Methodologies for Low Pollutant Combustors for Aero-Engines, EU FP7, 2011 – 2015.
• KIAI – Knowledge for Ignition, Acoustics and Instabilities, EU FP7, 2009 – 2013.
• NEWAC – New Aero Engine Concepts, EU FP6, 2006 – 2010.
• INTELLECT D.M. - Integrated Lean Low Emission Combustor Technology - Design Methodology, EU FP6, 2004 – 2007.
• AIDA – Aggressive Intermediate Duct Aerodynamics, EU FP6, 2004 – 2008.

Current teaching responsibilities:

Loughborough University, Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering

BEng and MEng Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering

MSc in Automotive Systems Engineering, Loughborough University

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Gas Turbine Aerodynamics and in Propulsion and Power

Barnes, J, Tuplin, S, Walker, D (2022) Flight dynamics of ski jumping: Wind tunnel testing and numerical modelling to optimise flight position, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, ISSN: 1754-3371. DOI: 10.1177/17543371221111625.

Spanelis, A and Walker, D (2022) A multi-objective factorial design methodology for aerodynamic off-takes and ducts, Aerospace, 9(3), 130, DOI: 10.3390/aerospace9030130.

Tsakmakidou, D, Mariah, I, Walker, D, Hall, C, Simpson, H (2021) Experimental investigation of secondary flows and length reduction for a low-pressure compressor transition duct, Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 144(1), 011017, ISSN: 0742-4795. DOI: 10.1115/1.4052086.

Spanelis, A and Walker, D (2021) Aerodynamic influence of a bleed on the last stage of a low-pressure compressor and S-duct, Journal of Turbomachinery, 144(2), 021007, ISSN: 0889-504X. DOI: 10.1115/1.4052134.

Walker, D, Mariah, I, Hall, C (2021) An experimental, aerodynamic evaluation of design choices for a low-pressure compressor transition duct, Journal of Turbomachinery, 143(9), 091004, ISSN: 0889-504X. DOI: 10.1115/1.4050598.

Walker, D, Mariah, I, Tsakmakidou, D, Vadhvana, H, Hall, C (2019) The influence of fan root flow on the aerodynamic of a low-pressure compressor transition duct, Journal of Turbomachinery, 142(1), 011002, ISSN: 0889-504X. DOI: 10.1115/1.4045272.

Walker, A and Rajaratnam, LE (Accepted for publication) Investigation of Wheelhouse Flow Interaction and the Influence of Lateral Wheel Displacement, Energies, ISSN: 1996-1073.

Walker, D, Koli, BR, Beecroft, P (2019) Influence of purge flow swirl at exit to the high-pressure compressor on OGV/pre-diffuser and combustion system aerodynamics, Journal of Turbomachinery, 141(9), ISSN: 0889-504X. DOI: 10.1115/1.4043781.

Li, Y, Walker, D, Irving, J (2018) Improved modelling capabilities of the airflow within turbine case cooling systems using smart porous media, Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 141(5), ISSN: 0742-4795. DOI: 10.1115/1.4041933.

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Collaborations:

External roles and appointments: