Institution news
Ahead of Aviation Aerodynamics 2016, we spoke to John Bolger, Engineering Associate Fellow – Compressor Aerodynamics, Rolls-Royce. John explains his role and involvement in aerodynamics, how important aerodynamics is in designing more efficient aircraft, where he sees the next big developments and what he is most looking forward to by attending.
John Bolger, Engineering Associate Fellow – Compressor Aerodynamics, Rolls-Royce
Dr John Bolger is a senior engineering specialist in turbomachinery aerodynamics with over 25 years of experience in technical and leadership roles within Rolls-Royce.
He gained his PhD in 3D Compressor Aerodynamic Design from the University of Cambridge, Whittle Laboratory in 1999 and has led Aerothermal teams in fans, compressors and turbines to deliver global product development programmes.
He is a Rolls-Royce Engineering Associate Fellow in Compressor Aerodynamics and currently has the role of global specialist in fan and compressor aerodynamics technology.
Q: Could you briefly explain your role and involvement in aerodynamics?
JB: Aerodynamics have been my passion since joining Rolls-Royce. Making a contribution to the state-of-the-art and seeing your hard work and efforts realised in a competitive, high-technology product is very fulfilling to an engineer. Seeing our newest products in the air during fly-past events at the Rolls-Royce site and knowing how many millions of people rely on the technology we develop is a truly inspiring feeling.
My current role as an Engineering Associate Fellow allows me to tackle important technical issues throughout the Company, looking across boundaries in order to challenge orthodoxy with radical, innovative ideas that can create new opportunities for Rolls-Royce. I also take a strategic view of important engineering topics such as technology, methods, Research and Technology (R&T) and the way engineering is conducted. I get a lot of personal satisfaction from mentoring young engineers to become technical specialists and potential Fellows themselves in the future.
Q: What are you most looking forward to by attending and presenting at Aviation Aerodynamics?
JB: I’m interested in seeing the bigger picture in aviation aerodynamics. Engaging with a wider community outside the propulsion network is always of interest and can spark ideas, creativity and potential collaborations. The agenda assembled for this event crosses a lot of different aspects of aviation aerodynamics and I’m keen to learn from my peers and gain an overview of the state-of-the art and possible future directions.
Q: How important is the aspect of aerodynamics in designing more efficient aircraft?
JB: Absolutely critical. In my own discipline, turbomachinery aerodynamics plays a fundamental role in the propulsion of aircraft and I often tease my mechanical design colleagues by telling them that their hard work is basically to hold the gas path in place! The aerodynamics of powerplants and airframes and the efficient integration of the two is key to greener aviation.
Q: What do you think the next biggest developments in aviation aerodynamics will be?
JB: Tackling the sources of losses associated with aviation at every level will lead to incremental improvements over time. More efficient integration of airframe and powerplant will likely yield benefits if these components are tackled as a full system. Improving thermal and propulsive efficiency in engines is an essential building block. Flow control, improved aerodynamic modelling using more accurate CFD models, better coupling of components within systems and more electric technologies will enable paradigm shifts in aerospace platforms.
John Bolger will be speaking at Aviation Aerodynamics 2016, the only engineering-focused event on the latest developments in both internal and external aerodynamics to reduce fuel usage and increase flight efficiency.
Programme highlights:
- Airbus share on the significant BLADE project and enabling natural laminar flow through design
- European Space Agency present on aerodynamics for re-entry space vehicles, in particular the Exo-Mars project
- The new innovation the Sabre (Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine) from Reaction Engines
- QinetiQ share their latest advances in simulating a plane in a wind tunnel through the use of an electric motor
- An exclusive update from Clean Sky Joint Undertaking on plans for Clean Sky 2
- Rolls-Royce’s UltraFan™, a new design concept to ensure greater efficiency in the engine
For further information, visit the Aviation Aerodynamics 2016 event page.