Abstract

In this invited talk, Dr. Qureshi will share his experience in investigating gas turbine engine performance, with a particular focus on combustor-turbine interaction flows in modern lean-burn civil aero engines. The work explores the implications of non-uniform temperature and swirl profiles at the combustor exit, which can significantly influence engine performance, efficiency, and component life. A detailed understanding of how these flow non-uniformities migrate through the turbine, using both experimental and computational approaches, provides valuable insights for engine designers seeking to improve engine performance, durability, and operational reliability.

He will also briefly highlight his recent research work on adaptive (variable-cycle) gas turbine engines, which can adjust operating cycle parameters to optimise fuel consumption according to the variable power demand. As a key enabling technology for variable-cycle operation, this work investigates the application of suction-surface adjustable (SSA) guide vanes in the high-pressure turbine. Preliminary experimental and computational results indicate that SSA guide vanes can deliver improved aerodynamic and cooling performance compared with conventional variable inlet area (VIA) guide vanes, highlighting their potential for next-generation aero-engine applications.

Biography

Dr. Imran Qureshi is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham Dubai, bringing together academic expertise and industrial experience. He previously served as the Founding Head of Engineering at the University of Birmingham Dubai, playing a key role in establishing and developing the engineering programmes on the Dubai campus.

He holds a DPhil in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford, where he contributed to a major European research project focused on enhancing gas turbine engine performance. Prior to joining academia, he worked at Rolls-Royce UK in several technical roles, including Turbine Aerothermal Designer and Gas Turbine Performance Engineer, contributing to the development of Trent engines powering Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

He is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) registered with the Engineering Council UK and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), UK. He also serves as an Editorial Board Member of Elsevier's Aerospace Science and Technology journal and has served as Executive Guest Editor for the journal's Special Issue on Sustainable and Green Aerospace Propulsion.

Dr. Qureshi's research interests include experimental and computational fluid dynamics, gas turbine engine performance, aerodynamics, hydrogen propulsion, and sustainable energy technologies. His work focuses on advancing efficient and environmentally sustainable solutions for the aerospace and energy sectors.