Alasdair Cairns
Chair in Propulsion Systems, Faculty of Engineering
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Biography
Professor of Mechanical Engineering with a background in low carbon propulsion systems within both academia and industry.
- 2016 - Professor & Director of Powertrain Research Centre, University of Nottingham
- 2016 - 2016 Deputy Head of Mechanical Engineering Department, Brunel
- 2014 - 2016 Director of Teaching and Learning, Brunel University London
- 2013 - 2016 Professor of Automotive Engineering, Brunel University London
- 2010 - 2013 Senior Lecturer, Brunel University London
- 2006 - 2009 Principal Research & Development Engineer, MAHLE Powertrain Ltd.
- 2003 - 2006 Senior Research & Development Engineer, Cosworth Technology Ltd.
- 2000 - 2002 Development Engineer, Cosworth Technology Ltd.
Expertise Summary
- Hybrid propulsion systems integration
- Low carbon engines and fuels (heavy duty and light duty, hydrogen, ammonia, bio and synthetic fuels)
- Powertrain thermal management (e-machine, batteries, IC engines)
- Advanced combustion systems (HCCI/CAI, turbulent jet ignition, dual fuel)
- Sustainable electrical machines and drives (design, operation, manufacture)
Teaching Summary
My teaching covers Level 3 Automotive Technology, Level 4 IC Engines and Major Individual Projects.
Research Summary
My interests generally cover sustainable propulsion, with active research in the following areas:
- Fuels for sustainable heavy duty IC engines (ammonia, hydrogen, bio/synthetic)
- Advanced powertrain thermal management (batteries, electric machines, fuel cells and IC engines)
- Life cycle analysis of propulsion (thermal and electrified solutions)
- Automotive energy recovery systems (thermal and kinetic)
- Powertrain lightweighting
Future Research
We are a large and active group with broad interests across sustainable propulsion. I welcome enquiries from potential PhD candidates from Home, EU and international countries who are interested in the following research areas:
- Fuels for sustainable heavy duty IC engines (ammonia, hydrogen, bio/synthetic)
- Advanced powertrain thermal management (batteries, electric machines, fuel cells and IC engines)
- Life cycle analysis of propulsion (thermal and electrified solutions)
- Automotive energy recovery systems (thermal and kinetic)
- Powertrain lightweighting