Contact Dr Pavlos Zachos
- Tel: +44 (0) 1234 754633
- Email: p.zachos@cranfield.ac.uk
- ORCID
Areas of expertise
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Gas Turbines & Propulsion
- Instrumentation, Sensors and Measurement Science
- Power Systems & Turbines
Background
Dr Pavlos Zachos is a Reader in Propulsion Aerodynamics at Cranfield University, where he leads research and teaching in advanced experimental methods for propulsion systems and airframe–engine integration. His work focuses on non‑intrusive aerodynamic measurements, intake–fan compatibility, and unsteady flow distortion, with applications spanning civil aviation, defence aerospace, and Net Zero technologies.
Dr Zachos has been based at Cranfield University since 2010 and contributes to the University’s mission through research leadership, postgraduate education, and international professional service, working closely with industry, government laboratories, and international organisations.
Research
Dr Zachos’s research addresses fundamental and applied challenges in propulsion system testing and analysis, particularly in complex internal flows. He specialises in optical and laser‑based diagnostics, including time‑resolved stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and filtered Rayleigh scattering, enabling high‑fidelity, non‑intrusive assessment of propulsion system operability.
He has secured approximately £7 million in competitive research funding as Principal Investigator or Co‑Investigator from organisations including Dstl, Rolls‑Royce, EPSRC, UKRI, the Royal Academy of Engineering, MBDA, and the European Union. He currently leads the High‑Speed Intake Distortion Simulator (HI‑Sim) programme, a £2.7 million national capability supporting UK sovereign defence research and future combat air propulsion integration.
Dr Zachos has published 35 peer‑reviewed journal papers and 48 conference papers and invited keynotes. His work underpins international benchmark datasets, informs industrial testing practice, and contributes to the development of standards in propulsion–airframe integration.
Teaching and Supervision
Dr Zachos makes a sustained contribution to postgraduate education. He has led the Turbomachinery and Blade Cooling module on the Thermal Power MSc since 2016, delivering research‑led, industry‑informed teaching that is consistently highly rated by students.
He has supervised 16 PhD researchers to completion and 94 MSc individual research projects, many in collaboration with industrial and government partners. He is a Fellow of Advance HE (FHEA) and regularly serves as an external PhD examiner at universities in the UK and Europe.
Leadership and Professional Service
Dr Zachos provides leadership across research programmes, experimental safety, and people management, including line management of research staff and service as Aerospace Theme Laser Safety Officer.
Internationally, he holds senior roles within the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), including leadership within the Inlets, Nozzles and Propulsion System Integration Technical Committee. He currently chairs a NATO Applied Vehicle Technology (AVT) Research Tasking Group, contributing to multinational research coordination in propulsion integration. He is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Senior Member of AIAA.
Impact and Engagement
Dr Zachos’s work delivers direct impact for UK aerospace and defence, reducing development risk for next‑generation propulsion systems and strengthening national experimental capability. He also plays an active role in public engagement, professional outreach, and international collaboration, helping to enhance Cranfield University’s global reputation in propulsion aerodynamics and advanced experimental aerospace research.
Research opportunities
Dr Zachos' research interests focus on the following areas:
- Applied aeorodynamics of propulsion systems
- Propulsion system integration, engine compatibility and distortion
- Supersonic flow aerodynamics
- High- and low- speed air induction system aerodynamics
- Inlet flow distortion
- Novel propulsion concepts and design optimisation
- Test rig design for high-speed propulsion system integration
- Aerodynamic measurements
- Non-intrusive metrology for aerodynamic applications
- Laser-based optical flow diagnostics
- Aerodynamic testing
- Industrial propulsion integration testing
- Applied computational fluid dynamics
Current activities
Dr Pavlos Zachos currently leads a substantial, externally funded research portfolio at Cranfield University focused on advanced experimental methods for propulsion systems and airframe–engine integration, spanning TRL 2–6. He is Principal Investigator of the £2.7 million High‑Speed Intake Distortion Simulator (HI‑Sim) Phase 2 programme and is actively delivering projects funded by Dstl, Rolls‑Royce, EPSRC, UKRI, MBDA and the EU, supporting UK defence capability, future combat air systems and Net Zero–aligned civil aviation. Alongside research leadership, he leads the Turbomachinery and Blade Cooling module on the Thermal Power MSc and supervises PhD and MSc researchers sponsored by industry and government. He also holds significant international leadership roles, currently chairing a NATO Applied Vehicle Technology (AVT) Research Tasking Group and contributing to AIAA technical leadership, while providing internal leadership through line management of research staff and service as Aerospace Theme Laser Safety Officer.
Clients
- Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC
- Airbus SE
- Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- MBDA UK Ltd
Publications
Articles In Journals
- Lawson NJ, Migliorini M, Doll U, Melnikov S, Steinbock J, .... (2026). Pathway to non-intrusive in-flight flow diagnostics with filtered Rayleigh scattering. SAE International Journal of Aerospace, 19(1)
- Migliorini M, Doll U, Lawson NJ, Melnikov SM, Steinbock J, .... (2025). Advancements on the use of Filtered Rayleigh Scattering (FRS) with machine learning methods for flow distortion in aero-engine intakes. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 160
- Piovesan T, Zachos PK, MacManus DG, Kempaiah K, Michaelis D, .... (2025). Coupled fan-intake dynamic distortion characterization at crosswind conditions. AIAA Journal, 63(2)
- Piovesan T, Zachos PK, MacManus DG & Sheaf C. (2025). Unsteady swirl distortion in a short intake under crosswind conditions. AIAA Journal, 63(5)
- Migliorini M, Zachos PK, MacManus DG & Giannouloudis A. (2025). Experimental investigation of unsteady fan-intake interactions using time-resolved stereoscopic particle image velocimetry. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 166
- Lawson NJ & Zachos PK. (2025). Brief Communication: measurement of boundary layer turbulent transition using an acoustic microphone unit. SAE International Journal of Aerospace, 18(2)
- Kempaiah KU, Piovesan T, Zachos PK, Michaelis D, Gebbink R, .... (2024). High-resolution turbofan intake flow characterization by automated stereoscopic-PIV in an industrial wind tunnel environment. Measurement Science and Technology, 35(2)
- Philippou AL, Zachos PK & MacManus DG. (2024). Aerodynamic instabilities in high-speed air intakes and their role in propulsion system integration. Aerospace, 11(1)
- Migliorini M, Zachos PK & MacManus DG. (2024). Evaluation of extreme value predictions for unsteady flow distortion of aero-engine intakes. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 146(9)
- Migliorini M, Zachos PK, MacManus DG & Giannouloudis A. (2024). Effect of a fan on the unsteady distortion of s-duct intakes.
- Doll U, Kapulla R, Dues M, Steinbock J, Melnikov S, .... (2023). Towards time-resolved multi-property measurements by filtered Rayleigh scattering: diagnostic approach and verification. Experiments in Fluids, 65(1)
- Doll U, Migliorini M, Baikie J, Zachos PK, Röhle I, .... (2022). Non-intrusive flow diagnostics for unsteady inlet flow distortion measurements in novel aircraft architectures. Progress in Aerospace Sciences, 130(April)
- Migliorini M, Zachos PK & MacManus DG. (2022). S-duct flow distortion with non-uniform inlet conditions. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part G: Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 237(2)
- Logothetis DK, Zachos PK & Rogero J-M. (2022). Drag decomposition of a subsonic wing via a far-field, exergy-based method. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part G: Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 237(7)
- Migliorini M, Zachos PK & MacManus DG. (2021). Novel method for evaluating intake unsteady flow distortion. Journal of Propulsion and Power, 38(1)
- McLelland G, MacManus DG, Zachos PK, Gil-Prieto D & Migliorini M. (2020). Influence of upstream total pressure profiles on S-duct intake flow distortion. Journal of Propulsion and Power, 36(3)
- Gil-Prieto D, Zachos PK, MacManus DG & McLelland G. (2018). Unsteady characteristics of S-duct intake flow distortion. Aerospace Science and Technology, 84
- D’Ambros A, Kipouros T, Zachos PK, Savill M & Benini E. (2018). Computational design optimization for S-ducts. Designs, 2(4)
- Orts-Gonzalez PL, Zachos PK & Brighenti GD. (2018). The impact of heat exchanger degradation on the performance of a humid air turbine system for power generation. Applied Thermal Engineering, 149
- Seetharama-Yadiyal V, Brighenti GD & Pavlos Z. (2018). Advanced gas turbine cycle performance modelling using response surface methods. The Aeronautical Journal, 122(1258)
- Brighenti GD, Zachos PK & Orts-Gonzalez PL. (2018). Part-load performance modelling of a reheated humid air turbine power cycle. Applied Thermal Engineering, 138
- Orts-Gonzalez PL, Zachos PK & Brighenti GD. (2018). Techno-economic analysis of a reheated humid air turbine. Applied Thermal Engineering, 137
- Gil-Prieto D, MacManus DG, Zachos PK & Bautista A. (2017). Assessment methods for unsteady flow distortion in aero-engine intakes. Aerospace Science and Technology, 72
- Gil-Prieto D, MacManus DG, Zachos PK, Tanguy G & Menzies KR. (2017). Convoluted intake distortion measurements using stereo particle image velocimetry. AIAA Journal, 55(6)
- Brighenti GD, Orts-Gonzalez PL, Sanchez-de-Leon L & Zachos PK. (2017). Design point performance and optimization of humid air turbine power plants. Applied Sciences, 7(4)
- Gil-Prieto D, MacManus DG, Zachos PK, Tanguy G, Wilson F, .... (2017). Delayed detached-eddy simulation and particle image velocimetry investigation of S-Duct flow distortion. AIAA Journal, 55(6)
- MacManus DG, Chiereghin N, Gil-Prieto D & Zachos PK. (2017). Complex aero-engine intake ducts and dynamic distortion. AIAA Journal, 55(7)
- Zachos PK, Frascella M, MacManus DG & Gil-Prieto D. (2017). Pressure flowfield and inlet flow distortion metrics reconstruction from velocity data. AIAA Journal, 55(9)
- Zachos PK. (2013). Modelling and Analysis of Turbofan Engines Under Windmilling Conditions. Journal of Propulsion and Power, 29(4)
- Grech N, Koupper C, Zachos PK, Pachidis V & Singh R. (2012). Considerations on the Numerical Modeling and Performance of Axial Swirlers Under Relight Conditions. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 134(11)
- Grech N, Mehdi A, Zachos PK, Pachidis V & Singh R. (2012). Effect of Combustor Geometry on Performance of Airblast Atomizer Under Sub-Atmospheric Conditions. Engineering Applications of Computational Fluid Mechanics, 6(2)
- Terzis A, Kazakos C, Papadopoulos N, Kalfas A, Zachos PK, .... (2011). Effects of Swirl Velocities From Fan Assemblies Mounted on Lifting Surfaces. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 133(3)
- Terzis A, Zachos P, Charnley B, Pachidis V & Kalfas AI. (2011). ON THE APPLICABILITY OF OIL AND DYE FLOW VISUALIZATION TECHNIQUE DURING THE DESIGN PHASE AND OPERATION OF EXPERIMENTAL RIGS. Journal of Flow Visualization and Image Processing, 18(3)
- Zachos PK, Aslanidou I, Pachidis V & Singh R. (2011). A Sub-idle Compressor Characteristic Generation Method With Enhanced Physical Background. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 133(8)
- Zachos PK, Grech N, Charnley B, Pachidis V & Singh R. (2011). Experimental and Numerical Investigation of a Compressor Cascade at Highly Negative Incidence. Engineering Applications of Computational Fluid Mechanics, 5(1)
- Zachos PK, Pilidis P & Kalfas AI. (2010). Analysis of turbine performance degradation effects due to geometry variations between actual components and design Intent. The Aeronautical Journal, 114(1159)
- ZACHOS PK, PAPPA M, KALFAS AI, MANSOUR G, TSIAFIS I, .... (2008). Turbine Blading Performance Evaluation Using Geometry Scanning and Flowfield Prediction Tools. Journal of Power and Energy Systems, 2(6)
Conference Papers
- Migliorini M, Hersbach S, Zachos PK, MacManus DG & Martin PG. (2026). De-risking of a high-speed intake distortion facility using a small-scale pilot rig
- Piovesan T, Zachos PK & MacManus DG. (2026). Unsteady swirl distortion characterization in a coupled fan-intake system in crosswind conditions using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry
- Smith BR, Yang XI, Gragston M, Zachos PK & Taylor NJ. (2026). Turbulence Modelling and Turbulence Measuring: Implications for CFD Validation - A Succinct Account of a Panel Session Held at AVIATION 2025
- Taylor NJ, Zachos PK & Gragston M. (2026). Optical Velocimetry: Principles & Practice – An Introduction
- Migliorini M, Zachos PK, MacManus DG & Martin PG. (2025). Aerodynamic design of a high-speed intake test rig for propulsion integration research
- Piovesan T, Zachos PK, MacManus DG, Michaelis D, van Rooijen B, .... (2025). Use of non-intrusive flow diagnostics for aero-engine inlet flow distortion measurements in an industrial wind-tunnel
- Piovesan T, Zachos PK & MacManus DG. (2025). Total pressure distortion reconstruction methods from velocimetry data within an aero-engine intake at crosswind
- Ibanez C, Migliorini M, Giannouloudis A, Tejero F & Zachos PK. (2025). Cluster-based tracking method for the identification and characterisation of vortices
- Piovesan T, Zachos PK, MacManus DG & Sheaf C. (2024). Unsteady swirl distortion in a short intake under crosswind conditions
- Piovesan T, Migliorini M, Zachos PK & Tsoutsanis P. (2024). Dynamic swirl distortion characteristics in S-shaped diffusers using UCNS3D and time-resolved, stereo PIV methods
- Moreno M, Zachos PK, Gantt EJ, Tobaldini Neto L, Ferolla de Ambreu D, .... (2024). Summary of the 6th Propulsion Aerodynamics Workshop: NASA 1507 Inlet
- Migliorini M, Zachos PK, MacManus DG, Doll U, Dues M, .... (2024). Seeding-free inlet flow distortion measurements using filtered Rayleigh scattering: integration in a complex intake test facility
- Doll U, Kapulla R, Dues M, Steinbock J, Melnikov S, .... (2024). Towards time-resolved multi-property measurements by single-frequency FRS
- Dues M, Dues F, Melnikov S, Steinbock JJ, Doll U, .... (2024). 2D3C measurement of velocity, pressure and temperature fields in a intake flow of an air turbine by Filtered Rayleigh Sattering (FRS) and validation with LDV and PIV
- Doll U, Kapulla R, Steinbock J, Dues M, Migliorini M, .... (2023). Seeding-free inlet flow distortion measurement by filtered Rayleigh scattering: diagnostic approach and verification
- Migliorini M, Zachos PK & MacManus DG. (2023). Characterization of unsteady distortion events for S-duct intakes under non-uniform inlet conditions
- Moreno M, Migliorini M, Zachos PK, Haslam A & MacManus DG. (2023). Design and optimisation of a Mach 2.5 wind tunnel nozzle
- Migliorini M, Szymanski A, Zachos PK, MacManus DG & Martin PG. (2023). Design of a high-speed intake distortion simulator for propulsion integration research
- Migliorini M, Zachos PK, MacManus DG & Monnier V. (2022). A study on the development of the flow distortion downstream of an s-duct intake
- Piovesan T, Wenqiang Z, Vahdati M & Zachos PK. (2022). Investigations of the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics for intakes at crosswind
- Zhang W, Tiedemann B, Hegen S, Vahdati M, Zachos P, .... (2022). Non-Intrusive Flow distortion measurements within a Turbofan Intake (NIFTI)- De-risking the test campaigns with CFD analysis
- Terzis A, Zachos PK, Charnley BA & Kalfas AI. (2022). Application of oil and dye flow visualization in incompressible turbomachinery flows
- Migliorini M, Zachos PK & MacManus DG. (2019). An assessment on the unsteady flow distortion generated by an S-duct intake
- Migliorini M, Zachos PK & MacManus DG. (2019). The impact of inlet boundary layer thickness on the unsteady aerodynamics of S-duct intakes
- Guerrero-Hurtado M, Zachos PK, MacManus DG, Migliorini M & Trapani G. (2019). Unsteady swirl distortion characteristics for S-ducts using Lattice Boltzmann and time-resolved, stereo PIV methods
- Migliorini M, Zachos P & MacManus D. (2019). Correction: The impact of inlet boundary layer thickness on the unsteady aerodynamics of S-duct intakes
- Migliorini M, Zachos P & MacManus D. (2019). Correction: An assessment on the unsteady flow distortion generated by an S-duct intake
- Zubizarreta J, Anselmi E, Zachos P & Pachidis V. (2018). The impact of measurement uncertainty on heat exchanger performance measurements in a sCO2 test facility for power cycle applications
- Anselmi Palma E, Bunce I, Pachidis V, Zachos PK & Johnston M. (2018). An overview of the Rolls-Royce sCO2-test rig project at Cranfield University
- Tanguy G, MacManus DG, Zachos PK, Gil-Prieto D & Garnier E. (2017). Passive flow control study in an S-duct intake using Stereo Particle Image Velocimetry
- Tanguy G, MacManus DG, Zachos PK, Gil-Prieto D & Garnier E. (2016). Passive flow control study in a convoluted intake using Stereo Particle Image Velocimetry
- Gil-Prieto D, Zachos P, MacManus DG & Tanguy G. (2016). Convoluted Intake Distortion Measurements Using Stereo Particle Image Velocimetry
- Frascella M, Zachos PK, Gil-Prieto D & MacManus DG. (2016). Pressure flow field and inlet flow distortion metrics reconstruction from velocity data
- Brighenti G, Anselmi Palma E & Zachos PK. (2016). Parametric evaluation of S-CO2 Brayton cycles for bottoming applications
- Anselmi Palma E, Zachos PK, Collins R & Hassan M. (2016). Development of an experimental S-CO2 loop for bottoming cycle applications
- Gil-Prieto D, MacManus DG, Zachos PK, Tanguy G, Wilson F, .... (2016). Dynamic flow distortion investigation in an S-duct using DDES and SPIV data
- Zachos PK, MacManus DG & Chiereghin N. (2016). Flow distortion measurements in convoluted aero engine intakes
- Zachos PK, MacManus DG & Chiereghin N. (2015). Flow distortion measurements in convoluted aero engine intakes
- MacManus DG, Chiereghin N, Gil-Prieto D & Zachos PK. (2015). Complex aero-engine intake ducts and dynamic distortion
- Doligalski A, Sanchez de Leon L, Zachos PK & Pachidis V. (2014). Assessing the Potential of Gas-Recuperation in Reheated Gas Turbines Within Combined Gas-Steam Power Plants
- Sanchez de Leon L, Zachos PK & Pachidis V. (2013). A Comparative Assessment of Dry Gas Turbine Cycles for Marine Applications
- Lecoq M, Grech N, Zachos PK & Pachidis V. (2013). Probabilistic and Numerical Modelling of a Lobed Mixer at Windmilling Conditions
- Illana E, Grech N, Zachos PK & Pachidis V. (2013). Axial Compressor Aerodynamics Under Sub-Idle Conditions
- Piscopo G, Zachos PK & Pilidis P. (2013). Considerations on the Compression System Preliminary Design of a Short Haul Aircraft Propulsion System
- Koupper C, Grech N, Zachos PK, Pachidis V & Singh R. (2012). Considerations on the Numerical Modelling and Performance of Axial Swirlers Under Relight Conditions
- Zachos PK, Ruelke C, Pachidis V & Singh R. (2011). Compressor Blade Modelling Under Highly Negative Incedence
- Terzis A, Kazakos C, Zachos P, Kalfas A & Ott P. (2011). Swirl Jet and Crossflow Interaction at Low Velocity Ratios and Incompressible Flows
- Ruelke C, Terzis A, Zachos PK, Pachidis V & Singh R. (2010). Experimental evaluation and analytical modelling of the pressure loss through a compressor cascade operating at highly negative incidence
- Terzis A, Kazakos C, Papadopoulos N, Zachos PK, Pilidis P, .... (2010). The effect of the swirl velocity of a jet in cross flow typically used for turbine cooling applications
- Aslanidou I, Zachos PK, Pachidis V & Singh R. (2010). A Physically Enhanced Method for Sub-Idle Compressor Map Generation and Representation
- Terzis A, Kazakos C, Papadopoulos N, Kalfas AI, Zachos PK, .... (2010). Effects of the Swirl Velocity of a Jet in Crossflow From Fan Assemblies Mounted on Lifting Surfaces
- Kozaily J, Zachos PK, Pachidis V & Singh R. (2009). Gas Turbine Fuel Atomisation Dynamics Under Sub-atmospheric Conditions
- Gallar L, Pachidis V, Zachos PK & Singh R. (2009). Compressor IGV Off Design Performance and Loss Modelling
- Zachos PK, Pengue F, Pachidis V & Pilidis P. (2009). Flowfield Investigation of a Compressor Cascade at High Incidence—Part 2: Numerical Analysis
- Zachos PK, Pachidis V, Charnley B & Pilidis P. (2009). Flowfield Investigation of a Compressor Cascade at High Incidence—Part 1: Pneumatic Probe Measurements
- Laskaridis P & Zachos P. (2009). Effects of engine parameters on secondary power extraction and evaluation of engine performance penalties
