Dr Onur Tokkan

Onur joined the AAPS CDT after graduating with first-class honours in MEng Automotive Engineering from the University of Brighton. His academic journey included investigating the cooling performance of nanofluid sprays on piston surfaces, with his findings presented at the 29th European Conference on Liquid Atomization and Spray Systems (ILASS). He also contributed to an electric vehicle conversion project, focusing on thermal management system design. These experiences sparked a deep interest in sustainable propulsion and advanced cooling technologies, making AAPS the ideal environment for Onur to further explore these areas. The CDT’s collaborative and multidisciplinary approach offered him the opportunity to work alongside like-minded researchers and industry partners to tackle real-world challenges in automotive innovation. 

PhD Focus

Onur’s PhD project, Development of Fluid and Material Testing Facilities for Cryogenic Aircraft Fuel System Components, explored the intersection of cryogenics and propulsion system efficiency. Supervised by Dr Andrew Rhead and Dr Kei Takashina, and sponsored by GKN, the research investigated the feasibility of maintaining Leidenfrost regime for cryogenic liquids to enable self-propulsion. Additionally, as a part of this project Onur also undertook the design and build of a mechanical testing cryostat to provide the ability of mechanical testing under cryogenic conditions.

The PhD aimed to:

• Understand the boiling characteristics and physical interactions of cryogenic droplets with internal pipe surfaces.
• Explore how in-pipe structures can manipulate flow during the Leidenfrost regime to enhance fuel delivery systems.
• Design and build a testing facility to undertake mechanical testing under cryogenic conditions to investigate material properties.

This research has significant implications for the future of clean propulsion systems, particularly in fuel cell and cryogenically powered propulsion systems, where cryogenic fuels offer a promising alternative to traditional fuels. Onur’s work contributed to overcoming key challenges in storage, cost, and system complexity paving the way for more efficient and sustainable transport solutions.

Looking Forward

In the next decade, Onur hopes to be actively shaping the future of the transportation industry. His goal is to influence the development of innovative propulsion systems while raising awareness of the broader challenges facing the sector. He’s passionate about applying his research to real-world applications and contributing to meaningful change in how we power vehicles and aircraft.

The Reflection on AAPS

Reflecting on his time at AAPS, Onur describes the experience as invaluable. The CDT provided a unique environment where he could collaborate with researchers across disciplines, engage directly with industry, and explore complex problems from multiple perspectives. He highlights the opportunities to make an impact and the supportive community that helped him grow both professionally and personally. To Onur, Advanced Propulsion Systems represent the keystone of future transport, enabling sustainable, technically advanced solutions that benefit both industry and society. His time at AAPS has equipped him with the knowledge, experience, and relationships needed to contribute meaningfully to the evolution of propulsion technologies.