David GillespieView profile
Associate Professor
Professor David Gillespie is an Associate Professor of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford and Deputy Head of Department for New Buildings. He is also a Fellow of St Catherine's College and affiliated with the Oxford Thermofluids Institute. His research focuses on critical aspects of gas turbine and jet engine technology, particularly in thermal management and fluid dynamics applications. Professor Gillespie attended Jesus College Oxford as an undergraduate and obtained his doctorate in 1996. He has been the Rolls-Royce Fellow in Engineering Science since 2003, demonstrating a long-standing relationship with industry in advancing gas turbine technology. His primary research interests include: Development of advanced seals for jet engines and industrial gas turbines Tip clearance control mechanisms for gas turbines using thermal activation systems Heat exchanger design for intercoolers and recuperators in jet engines Engine-realistic internal cooling systems, including dendritic cooling and ribbed passages Effects of volcanic ash ingestion on engine components Advanced instrumentation methods using thermochromic liquid crystals and IR cameras Professor Gillespie's recent publication record shows a strong focus on ice crystal icing phenomena in turbomachinery, particle deposition in gas turbines, and advanced thermal management techniques. His work combines experimental, analytical, and computational approaches to address critical challenges in gas turbine operation under extreme conditions. A significant portion of his recent work involves the development of predictive models for ice accretion and particle deposition, which have important safety implications for aircraft engines. As a key member of the Oxford Thermofluids Institute, Professor Gillespie leads research that bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical engineering applications in the aerospace industry.
