Nicolás Soto San Pedro

Background

Nicolás Soto is a PhD researcher at Cranfield University within the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Aviation, working in partnership with Rolls-Royce plc. His research project, Off-Design Intake Aerodynamics for Future Propulsion Systems, investigates the flow physics and separation phenomena that occur under crosswind conditions in short-coupled fan/intake ultra-high-bypass-ratio (UHBR) engines. These operating conditions have a direct impact on propulsion efficiency, fuel burn, and fan operability.

His work combines high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling with the analysis of a unique experimental dataset from the NIFTI programme, which produced the world's first stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements of a coupled fan–intake system operating under crosswind conditions. The ultimate aim of this research is to improve confidence in the computational tools used to design compact, low-specific-thrust intake systems that are central to achieving Net Zero aviation targets.

Research opportunities

- Intake aerodynamics and flow separation under off-design conditions

- Coupled intake and fan aerodynamic interactions and distortion

- High-fidelity CFD modelling: RANS, URANS, and eddy-resolving methods (DES/hybrid LES)

- Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) data processing and experimental-computational data synthesis

- Intake flow distortion metrics and fan operability

- Computational method validation and verification for aero-engine intake design

- Ultra-High Bypass Ratio (UHBR) propulsion systems and compact intake design

- Net Zero aviation technologies and propulsion system integration

Current activities

Nicolás is a first-year PhD researcher in the Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Aviation (CDT NZA, 2025–2029). His research, sponsored by Rolls-Royce plc, addresses off-design intake aerodynamics for future propulsion systems, with a particular focus on aspirated and coupled intake-fan HBR engine configurations under crosswind conditions.

The project sits within Cranfield's collaboration with the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Aerodynamics and contributes to the CDT NZA theme of ultra-efficient future aircraft, propulsion systems, and aerodynamic and structural synergies. Nicolas uses high-fidelity CFD tools running steady and unsteady RANS simulations to characterise flow separation, distortion and intake stability.

Alongside his research, he is completing the CDT NZA taught programme delivered jointly with the University of Strathclyde and Cardiff University, covering hydrogen for civil aviation, aircraft propulsion electrification, electrical power systems for aviation, sustainable aerospace manufacturing, computational fluids and turbulence modelling. He also contributes to the CDT Group Design Project and cohort-wide research training activities.

His broader interests include experimental–computational integration for aeroengine intakes and uncertainty quantification for off-design performance.

Clients

• Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC