RESEARCH INTERESTS

OR WAYS TO RELIEVE BOREDOM

My scientific research interests are (and have been) quite varied. To a large extent, this is because I just have a desire for knowledge, that has led me down various different research avenues, which in turn have opened up new areas I have then also wanted to research.

Rocket Propulsion

As indicated on the space web page, I am privilidged to be involved in research on ED nozzle rocket engines for Reaction Engines Limited working for legendary rocket engineer, Alan Bond. This is becoming my main area of research, because of the amount of work required on it.

Stellar Magnetohydrodynamics

This research follows on from the work I undertook as part of my Ph.D, and is concerned with the origin and evolution of flares on the surface of stars, and the magnetohydrodynamic behaviour of plasma flux tubes. My most recent work has been trying to model elements of the Ph.D research using Matlab.

The Hidden Variable Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

I have retained an interest in Hidden variable theories as developed by the late Professor David Bohm, since my undergraduate days when I undertook my B.Sc thesis on the Hidden Variable theory of quantum mechanics, and have been developing causal quantum mechanics simulations both mathematically and computationally in C, C++ and more recently Java. Even more recently, I have started moving the modelling to Matlab.

Quantum Vacuum Fluctuations

I am extremely interested in this fascinating area of Physics, and have used my knowledge of magneto-hydrodynamics from the Ph.D research, and my knowledge of quantum mechanics, to investigate possible energy extraction using the Casimir pinch effect on a plasma. This is an area that is pushing my limits however.

Planetary Physics

Related to the study of the Martian surface (especially permafrost deposits), and asteroids (mineral extraction and methods of conducting manned missions to establish outposts).

Waverider Aerospaceplanes

Design, simulation, construction and flight testing of small scale waverider aerospaceplanes.

Advanced Spacecraft Propulsion Systems

Solar sail, electric propulsion, beamed propulsion, antimatter (especially magnetic containment techniques and distribution systems), speculative advanced propulsion systems (zero point energy drive, quantum tunneling drive, diametric drive, disjunction drive, Alcubierre Warp drive, Krasnikov Tubes).

Nanotechnology

Applications of nanotechnology which could be utilised in space technology (such as construction of sub-surface bases, terraforming)

Renewable Energy

Wind Power, Solar Energy applications, micro-hydro and other water based renewable energy sources.

PREVIOUS SPACE RELATED RESEARCH

Phobos-2 Mars Spacecraft : VNIIKAM, Russia

Examining thermal anomalies and plume formations in the Hesperia Planum region of Mars, to develop a physical model of the processes observed, using data from the Phobos-2 spacecraft.

Tiger 3.1 / EOS : NERC /NASA

Development of radiance models for use in a ray-tracing model for planetary albedo simulations. This was research carried out under the tutelage of the absolutely gifted Dr P Lewis at UCL.

BIOKIT - EuroMIR 95 : ESA

Test / documentation engineer developing a test schedule for the BIOKIT payload designed to be transported to the Mir Space Station in a Soyuz spacecraft as part of the EuroMIR 95 space mission.