IAC
Independent Advisory Committee
1st Annual Independent Advisory Committee
Our Making Hydrogen Work in Zero Carbon Jet Engines Programme Grant successfully held its 1st Annual Independent Advisory Committee Meeting in Oxford. Hosted at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute on 16th September, the meeting brought together researchers from the University of Oxford, Loughborough University and Imperial College London, alongside members of the IAC and representatives from across the aerospace sector. It provided an opportunity to review progress across the programme, share emerging research and discuss the scientific and engineering challenges that lie ahead in enabling hydrogen-powered zero-carbon aviation.
The day opened with a welcome from Professor Clive Siviour, Head of the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, followed by an overview of the programme and its progress from Principal Investigator Professor Peter Ireland.
Researchers from across the consortium then presented developments spanning the programme’s five interconnected research areas. Alongside the technical presentations, a poster session provided an opportunity for researchers to discuss their work directly with IAC members and guests and to explore connections between research taking place across the three partner universities
The international perspective of the IAC is also helping the programme consider how its research sits within the wider landscape of hydrogen research and where there may be opportunities to build on existing expertise and develop new collaborations.
Professor Johan Steelant, European Space Agency (ESA) commented:
"It is very encouraging to see that the project tackles the wide range of challenges associated with the use of hydrogen as a propellant for air-breathing engines. In particular, the emphasis on multiphase processes, novel high-speed propulsion concepts and the effects of hydrogen on material behaviour demonstrates significant common ground with aerospace applications and ongoing research activities within ESA. This could open up valuable opportunities for collaboration and for aligning research activities internationally"
Dr Mohamed Aly - Cryogenics Specialist and Fuel System SME at Rolls-Royce
“One of the strengths of the programme is the breadth of research being undertaken and the opportunity to bring those different areas together. From an industrial perspective, developing a deeper understanding of the fundamental physics and engineering associated with hydrogen is essential. Meetings like this allow us to exchange knowledge with the research teams and discuss how the work can help address some of the challenges faced by industry.”
The involvement of industry within the IAC provides another important perspective, helping maintain a strong connection between fundamental academic research and the engineering challenges associated with the development of future aircraft and propulsion technologies.
The Making Hydrogen Work in Zero Carbon Jet Engines Programme Grant is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
We would like to thank all members of our Independent Advisory Committee, invited guests, investigators and researchers for contributing to an engaging and productive 1st Annual Independent Advisory Committee Meeting, and for their continued support of the programme.
Professor Peter Ireland, Principal Investigator for Making Hydrogen Work in Zero Carbon Jet Engines
“The Independent Advisory Committee plays a very valuable role in this Programme. Having colleagues from across industry and the wider research community engage directly with our researchers gives us an opportunity not only to share the progress we are making, but also to test our thinking and hear different perspectives. I am very grateful to Jacqueline, Johan, Mohamed and all our IAC members for the time, expertise and constructive challenge they bring to the programme.”
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