John Doherty

John Doherty is a Reader in Vehicle Engineering at the University of Surrey's School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, affiliated with the Centre for Aerodynamics & Environmental Flow. His research spans aerodynamic and multidisciplinary design optimisation, novel air-vehicle conceptual design, propulsion installation aerodynamics, and hybrid/electric aircraft systems. With a career beginning at RAE Farnborough and QinetiQ, he has collaborated extensively with industrial partners like MOD, BAES, and Airbus, developing CFD-based optimisation tools critical for aerospace and motorsport applications.

His research interests focus on:

• Aerodynamic CFD optimisation
• Multidisciplinary Design Optimisation
• Conceptual design and innovation
• Propulsion installation aerodynamics
• Electric ducted fan aerodynamics

Recent publications emphasize transonic aerodynamics, wind tunnel correction techniques, electric propulsion integration, and surrogate-assisted optimization methods. Trends show consistent focus on improving aerodynamic efficiency, experimental validation, and computational methods for aircraft and propulsion systems.

No scientific awards are mentioned in the provided text.

He teaches courses including ENG3197 Vehicle Aerodynamics, ENG3162 Aircraft Design Group Projects, and ENG2087 Design, Make and Evaluate Projects. Grant involvement includes the EMPAS project (electric motor-powered aero-engine simulator) and collaborative EU research (e.g., Garteur AD/AG-52).

Doherty leads research within the Centre for Aerodynamics & Environmental Flow and collaborates on international projects (e.g., EMPAS). His work involves experimental wind tunnel testing, CFD development, and multidisciplinary teams addressing next-generation aircraft design.