Ashley Barker

Background

First degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Loughborough University (1993). Remained at Loughborough as a researcher within the Rolls-Royce UTC in Combustion System Aerothermal Processes. Progressed to Research Associate and spent over 20 years working on several projects, most often funded by Rolls-Royce and EU Framework Programmes. During this time supported the transfer of the Rolls-Royce LUTC research facilities from Central Campus to the Stewart Miller Building in 2000. Played a leading client-side role in the design and delivery of the Unsteady Fluids Labs and High Pressure Nozzle Test Facility in 2006.

In 2016 became NCCAT Technical Operations Manager and was jointly responsible for the planning, installation and development of NCCAT Labs, and ensuring Rolls-Royce requirements were correctly defined and met. On completion of labs, became chair of Rolls-Royce/NCCAT co-ordination meetings for planning and programming of commercial activities.

From 2023 became NCCAT Head of Technical Operations, supporting delivery of NCCAT’s strategic objectives and day-to-day activities, and leading the maintenance, planning, and implementation of technical operations.

Research interests and activities:

As part of the Rolls-Royce UTC group, the main focus of research is concerned with the aerodynamics of gas turbine engines. This includes the design and operation of isothermal experimental facilities which can range from the testing of an isolated component to the representation of the combustion system as a whole.

Of current particular interest are two-phase flows and aero-acoustic interactions, in addition to the development of advanced experimental techniques such as dynamic planar film thickness measurement.

Other recent work includes acoustic damping using resonators, compressor outlet guide vane flows and their integrated design with both diffusers and compressor interconnecting (s-shape) ducts.

Experience includes the development of PC based data acquisition and control systems using LabVIEW, including communications with primary and ancillary equipment. Measurement techniques include miniature five-hole pressure probes, CO2 gas tracing, LDA, PDA, two-phase flow imaging including laser induced fluorescence techniques, hot wire anemometry and Kulite fast response pressure transducers.

View central admin publications database.

External activities:

• Member of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre for Combustion Aerodynamics
• Collaborative research: EU Collaborative research programmes include LOPOCOTEP, MUSCLES (FP4), AIDA (FP5) and FIRST (FP7)
• Award of several patents since 2002