Contact Dr Pavlos Zachos

Background

Dr Pavlos Zachos is a Reader in Propulsion Aerodynamics at Â鶹ÊÓƵ with an internationally recognised research profile in advanced experimental aerodynamics and propulsion system integration. His work focuses on the development of non‑intrusive optical diagnostics and high‑fidelity measurement techniques for complex internal flows, addressing critical challenges in intake–fan compatibility and unsteady distortion for next‑generation civil and defence aerospace systems. He leads a substantial externally funded research portfolio supported by major UK and international partners and is Principal Investigator of the HI‑Sim national capability programme, strengthening the UK’s sovereign experimental infrastructure in propulsion integration.

Dr Zachos has an extensive publication record, a strong track record in doctoral supervision, and a sustained contribution to international research leadership, including senior roles within NATO and AIAA, where he actively shapes global benchmarks, standards, and collaborative research agendas in propulsion aerodynamics. He is a Chartered Engineer (CEng), Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS), Fellow of Advance HE (FHEA), and Senior Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

Research

Dr Zachos’s research addresses fundamental and applied challenges in propulsion system testing and analysis, particularly in complex internal flows. He specialises in optical and laser‑based diagnostics, including time‑resolved stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and filtered Rayleigh scattering, enabling high‑fidelity, non‑intrusive assessment of propulsion system operability.

He has secured competitive research funding as Principal Investigator or Co‑Investigator from organisations including Dstl, Rolls‑Royce, EPSRC, UKRI, the Royal Academy of Engineering, MBDA, and the European Union. He currently leads the High‑Speed Intake Distortion Simulator (HI‑Sim) programme, a multi million national capability supporting UK sovereign defence research and future combat air propulsion integration.

Dr Zachos has published 35 peer‑reviewed journal papers and 48 conference papers and invited keynotes. His work underpins international benchmark datasets, informs industrial testing practice, and contributes to the development of standards in propulsion–airframe integration.

Teaching and Supervision

Dr Zachos makes a sustained contribution to postgraduate education. He has led the Turbomachinery and Blade Cooling module on the Thermal Power MSc since 2016, delivering research‑led, industry‑informed teaching that is consistently highly rated by students.

He has supervised 16 PhD researchers to completion and 94 MSc individual research projects, many in collaboration with industrial and government partners. He is a Fellow of Advance HE (FHEA) and regularly serves as an external PhD examiner at universities in the UK and Europe.

Leadership and Professional Service

Dr Zachos provides leadership across research programmes, experimental safety, and people management, including line management of research staff and service as Aerospace Theme Laser Safety Officer.

Internationally, he holds senior roles within the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), including leadership within the Inlets, Nozzles and Propulsion System Integration Technical Committee. He currently chairs a NATO Applied Vehicle Technology (AVT) Research Tasking Group, contributing to multinational research coordination in propulsion integration. He is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Senior Member of AIAA.

Impact and Engagement

Dr Zachos’s work delivers direct impact for UK aerospace and defence, reducing development risk for next‑generation propulsion systems and strengthening national experimental capability. He also plays an active role in public engagement, professional outreach, and international collaboration, helping to enhance Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s global reputation in propulsion aerodynamics and advanced experimental aerospace research.

Research opportunities

Dr Zachos' research interests focus on the following areas:

- Applied aerodynamics of propulsion systems

- Propulsion system integration, engine compatibility and distortion

- Supersonic flow aerodynamics

- High- and low- speed air induction system aerodynamics

- Inlet flow distortion

- Novel propulsion concepts and design optimisation

- Test rig design for high-speed propulsion system integration

- Aerodynamic measurements

- Non-intrusive metrology for aerodynamic applications

- Laser-based optical flow diagnostics

- Aerodynamic testing

- Industrial propulsion integration testing

- Applied computational fluid dynamics

Current activities

Dr Pavlos Zachos provides leadership in propulsion aerodynamics through a combination of internationally recognised research, postgraduate education, and professional service.

- Leads major research programmes in propulsion aerodynamics, advanced flow diagnostics, and airframe–engine integration.

- Principal Investigator of the High-Speed Intake Distortion Simulator (HI-Sim) programme, supporting future civil and defence aerospace technologies.

- Manages a portfolio of industry- and government-funded research projects with organisations including Dstl, Rolls-Royce, EPSRC, UKRI, MBDA, and the European Union.

- Develops and translates advanced non-intrusive optical measurement techniques for propulsion system testing and evaluation.

- Leads postgraduate education as Module Leader for Turbomachinery and Blade Cooling on the Thermal Power MSc programme at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.

- Supervises PhD and MSc researchers in collaboration with leading aerospace companies, government laboratories, and international partners.

- Chairs a NATO Applied Vehicle Technology (AVT) Research Tasking Group, helping to shape international research priorities in propulsion integration and engine–intake compatibility.

- Holds leadership roles within the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), contributing to international benchmarks, standards, and collaborative research initiatives.

- Provides leadership in research governance, staff development, and experimental safety as Aerospace Theme Laser Safety Officer at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.

- Acts as an expert reviewer for major funding bodies and research organisations, including EPSRC, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and international research programmes.

- Contributes to the global aerospace community through keynote lectures, conference leadership, technical committees, and international academic collaborations.

Clients

  • Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC
  • Airbus SE
  • Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
  • Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
  • MBDA UK Ltd

Publications

Articles In Journals

Conference Papers