Richard Purvis

Richard Purvis is an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics at the University of East Anglia (UEA). He holds roles such as Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity and IMA Departmental Representative. His academic journey includes a PhD from University College London (2002) and postdoctoral research at UCL and QinetiQ. He has extensive teaching experience across undergraduate mathematics courses, including calculus, differential equations, and fluid dynamics.

His research focuses on fluid dynamics, mathematical modelling, and industrial applications, particularly droplet impacts, air cushioning effects, and aircraft icing. Notable projects include studying splashing mechanisms, boundary-layer flows, and the fluid mechanics of digestion. He has organized international study groups and contributed to the Industrial Mathematics Knowledge Transfer Network.

Key research areas include:

• Mathematical analysis of droplet impacts and splashing mechanics
• Air cushioning in liquid-solid interactions
• High Reynolds number flows past multiple aerofoils
• Applications in aircraft safety, biomedical engineering, and industrial mathematics

Purvis has supervised numerous PhD projects and contributed to funded initiatives like the EPSRC projects on rotor blade flows and droplet impacts. His work bridges theoretical models with real-world industrial challenges, emphasizing cross-disciplinary collaboration.