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Christopher Willman

Lecturer in Engineering Science

Research:
My research involves the design and application of optical diagnostic techniques for flow measurements. Fluid flows are critical to a wide variety of fields, from thermal propulsion systems in the transport sector to inhaler sprays for respiratory drug delivery. The remote nature of optical techniques enables non-invasive measurements of flow properties in locations or at timescales which are inaccessible to physical probes.

I have a particular interest in developing novel measurement capabilities, such as real-time remote measurement of local gas pressure and temperature using Laser-Induced Grating Scattering (LIGS) and application of LIGS thermometry in transient, two-phase inhaler sprays. I am also investigating mixing processes and flame propagation inside internal combustion engines using Particle-Image Velocimetry and Laser-Induced Fluorescence, contributing to the design of higher efficiency and reduced emissions powertrains by validating Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations.

Biography:
Chris studied Physics at the University of Oxford, graduating with an MPhys in 2012 and completing a DPhil titled “Laser diagnostics for spatially resolved thermometry in combustion and flows” in 2016. Since 2016 he has worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the Engineering Science department at Oxford as a member of the Thermal Propulsion Systems research group (https://eng.ox.ac.uk/tpsrg). Chris joined St Hugh’s College as a lecturer in 2019 following a year as director of studies for Engineering at Harris Manchester College.

Recent publications:
C. Willman, L. M. Le Page, P. Ewart and B. A. O. Williams, “Pressure measurement in gas flows using laser-induced grating lifetime”, Appl. Opt., doc. ID 419973, (posted 7
April 2021, in press). https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.419973

L. Shen, C. Willman, R. Stone, T. Lockyer, R. Magnanon, G. Virelli, “On the use of crank angle-resolved particle image velocimetry (PIV) data for the validation of Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations during the intake process of a spark ignition direct injection (SIDI) engine.” Int. J. Engine Research, doc ID IJER-20-0351, (accepted, in press).

L. Shen, C. Willman, R. Stone, T. Lockyer, R. Magnanon and G. Virelli, “Multi-Plane PIV Measurements in a Gasoline Direct Injection Engine,” SAE Int. J. Adv. & Curr. Prac. in Mobility 3(1):223-239, (2021). https://doi.org/10.4271/2020-01-2049

C. Willman, B. Scott, R. Stone and D. Richardson “Quantitative metrics for comparison of in-cylinder velocity fields using particle image velocimetry”, Exp. Fluids 61, 62 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-020-2897-9

Position
Lecturer in Engineering Science
Department
Academic - Fellows & Lecturers