Dr Zahra Soltani - Research Associate Project

"I started working at Imperial College London as a research associate in March 2019, under the supervision of Dr Matthew Santer. During my PhD at ETH, Switzerland, I developed a nonlinear FE code for the study of composite morphing wings. My background mainly focuses on developing efficient nonlinear Finite Element (FE) codes and machine-learning-based optimization codes; the codes help the analysis and optimum design of adaptive structures under large amplitude deformation." 

The focus of [my] project is on the control of turbulent boundary layers"

Dr Zahra Soltani

"My current project is supported by the EPRSC and is titled "Understanding and exploiting non-equilibrium effects on turbulent boundary layers: Towards realisable drag reduction strategies". The focus of the project is on the control of turbulent boundary layers using streamwise travelling waves of spanwise wall velocity, produced using a novel active surface. The active surface is created via attaching kagome lattice to a membrane skin. This ensures it can generate controllable in-plane travelling waves in a structurally supported continuum. The innovative compliant adaptive surface can produce waveforms of variable length and speed in a robust and repeatable way."

"It is mainly an experimental-based project with a great degree of uncertainty on the control of turbulent boundary layers. The 10x5 wind tunnel is pivotal in this because it gives us the required section and length for doing the tests and getting reliable results." 

"It is of course a nice experience working with the 10x5 team, there is a mixture of experienced technicians like Russell Harbison and expert staff, like Dr Kevin Gouder, under the great supervision of Professor Jonathan Morrison." 

 

Department of Aeronautics Projects – Dr Zahra Soltani and Dr Isabella Fumarola