Holger Babinsky

Biography

Holger Babinsky graduated with a distinction in Aerospace Engineering from Stuttgart University in Germany. He obtained a PhD in hypersonic aerodynamics from Cranfield University (UK) in 1994. After 18 months as Research Associate at the Shock Wave Research Centre of Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan he returned to the UK to take up a position at the University of Cambridge. He is now Professor of Aerodynamics as well as a Fellow at Magdalene College.

Research Interest

Professor Babinsky's research is concerned with fundamental and applied aerodynamics with application to aeronautics, road vehicles and energy production. Particular focus areas are shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions in transonic and supersonic flows, flapping wing aerodynamics and road vehicle aerodynamics. His research is predominantly experimental but includes theoretical and numerical studies, often in collaboration with other groups across the globe. A key element of his research, spanning more than 20 years, is the study of shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions (SBLIs) and their control with application to wings and engine inlets. This includes shock control (e.g. shock control bumps) and boundary-layer control (e.g. micro-vortex generators for separation mitigation). He has co-edited, together with Prof. J. Harvey, the only textbook dedicated to SBLIs. A further focus of recent research has been the aerodynamics of low-Reynolds number flapping wings where fundamental experiments have helped identify the key mechanisms responsible for unsteady force production. More recently, work has started to improve the efficiency of long-haul road haulage vehicles. This is building on experience gathered over many years in the field of Formula 1 aerodynamics.