Paul Hammerton

Paul Hammerton is an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics at the University of East Anglia (UEA), where he has been a member of the School of Mathematics since 1995. He is affiliated with the Fluids & Structures research group and holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge. His academic roles include Director of Admissions for the School of Mathematics since 2007 and active involvement in outreach programs for school students.

Education:

• BA and Part III Mathematics, Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge (1983–1987)
• PhD in Mathematics, DAMTP, Cambridge (1987–1990), supervised by Professor David Crighton FRS

His research interests lie in applied mathematics, particularly fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, boundary-layer receptivity, and nonlinear acoustics. He focuses on the propagation of sonic booms through the atmosphere, the interaction of disturbances with boundary layers, solitary surface waves, and scattering problems relevant to land-mine detection and industrial applications. A unifying theme in his work is the use of asymptotic analysis to complement numerical simulations.

His recent publications (2014–2025) reflect a strong focus on wave propagation phenomena, nonlinear acoustics, and fluid-structure interactions. The research spans theoretical modeling, asymptotic techniques, and numerical validation, with applications in aerospace, geophysics, and industrial processes. Key themes include sonic boom evolution, solitary wave decay, boundary layer transition, and radar/ultrasound scattering.

Scientific Awards:

• University Prize for Teaching Excellence (2003)
• Nominated for Teaching Excellence Award (2008)
• Nominated for Teaching Excellence Award (2011)

Paul Hammerton has supervised undergraduate and Master's projects in fluid mechanics applied to real-world contexts such as musical instruments, sports (golf, cycling, kayaking), and engineering design. He has secured research funding from the Royal Society and contributed to externally funded outreach initiatives like the Further Mathematics Support Programme. He welcomes PhD students and encourages inquiries beyond advertised topics.

He is actively involved in the Fluids & Structures research group at UEA and has held visiting researcher positions at the University of Arizona, UNAM (Mexico City), and the University of Western Australia, reflecting a strong international research network.