Rate My Professor Adrian Spencer

Professor Adrian Spencer is Professor of Thermo Fluid Dynamics in the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering at Loughborough University, within the Engineering faculty. He holds the positions of Director of the Caterpillar Innovation and Research Centre and Associate Dean for Enterprise in the School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Manufacturing Engineering. Spencer obtained his BEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nottingham in 1990 and PhD titled ‘Gas Turbine Combustor Port Flows’ from Loughborough University in 1998. His professional career commenced as an Engineer at Rolls-Royce in Derby from 1989 to 1991. He then joined Loughborough University as Research Associate from 1991 to 1997, advancing to Lecturer in Thermo-fluid Dynamics (1997-2005), Senior Lecturer (2005-2014), Reader (2014-2019), and Professor. Additional roles include Head of the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering from 2013 to 2016, Deputy Director of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre since 2012, and a secondment to CFDRC Inc. in Alabama, USA, in 2002.

Spencer's research focuses on experimental thermofluid dynamics, encompassing optical measurement techniques and data analysis for turbulent flows, gas turbine and internal combustion engine flows, and fuel-air preparation and mixing, utilizing methods such as PIV, PLIF, and LDA. He is a Chartered Engineer and holds fellowships of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS), Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE), and Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Awards include Loughborough University's Research-informed Teaching Award in 2013; he also supervised a PhD student who received the Osborne Reynolds Prize in 2005. Key publications feature Ward et al., 'The effect of surface geometry on the aerodynamic behaviour of a football' (Sports Engineering, 2023); Yuan et al., 'Measurement of black carbon emissions from multiple engine and source types using laser-induced incandescence' (Atmospheric Measurement Techniques, 2022); and Biagiotti et al., 'Modelling liquid film in modern GDI engines and the impact on particulate matter emissions – Part 1' (International Journal of Engine Research, 2021). Spencer leads funded projects like DYNAMO and ACTIVE with partners including Caterpillar, Rolls-Royce, and Ford. He serves on university Senate, ASME IGTI Combustion and Fuels Committee, and delivered the 2025 inaugural lecture 'Can transportation Net Zero goals be achieved?'.