Staff profile

Prof. Sims-Williams undergraduate teaching includes/has included Level 1 Fluid Mechanics, Level 1 Programming, Level 2 Heat Transfer, Level 3 Compressible Flow, Level 3 Materials Selection, Level 4 Low Carbon Vehicles, Level 4 Turbomachinery and Level 4 Aeromechanics (Theoretical Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics).

Prof. Sims-WIlliams acts as Faculty Advisor to the Durham University Solar Car team (see www.duem.org).

Research Project topics include:

• Impacts of Unsteady Onset Flows on Vehicles
• Unsteady and Asymmetric Wake Flows Behind Bluff Bodies
• The Development of Instrumentation - especially pneumatic probe measurements for unsteady flows
• Flow Measurements Around Rotating Wheels including Telemetry Development

• Aerodynamic Unsteadiness
• Road and Racing Car Aerodynamics
• The Development of Advanced Wind Tunnel Instrumentation and Analyses

Chapter in book

• Unsteady Measurement with Correction on Tubing Distortion
  
  Yang, H., Sims-Williams, D., & He, L. (2006). Unsteady Measurement with Correction on Tubing Distortion. In K. Hall, R. Kielb, & J. Thomas (Eds.), Unsteady Aerodynamics, Aeroacoustics and Aeroelasticity of Turbomachines. Springer Verlag.

Conference Paper

• Three Dimensional Beamforming for Improved Noise Source Localisation
  
  Sims-Williams, D., Kounenis, C., Dominy, R., & Oettle, N. (in press). Three Dimensional Beamforming for Improved Noise Source Localisation (J. Wiedemann, Ed.). Expert Verlag.
• Extracting Quantitative Streamline Information from Surface Flow Visualization Images in a Linear Cascade using Convolutional Neural Networks
  
  Liu, X., Ingram, G., Sims-Williams, D., & Breckon, T. P. (2024). Extracting Quantitative Streamline Information from Surface Flow Visualization Images in a Linear Cascade using Convolutional Neural Networks. In Proceedings of Global Power and Propulsion Society. https://doi.org/10.33737/gpps24-tc-100
• Beamforming Quantification of Acoustic Transmission Paths for Passenger Vehicles Using a Reciprocal Approach
  
  Oettle, N., Graham, S., Sims-Williams, D., Riegel, M., & Hebestreit, R. (2023, May 8). Beamforming Quantification of Acoustic Transmission Paths for Passenger Vehicles Using a Reciprocal Approach. Presented at Noise and Vibration Conference & Exhibition, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. https://doi.org/10.4271/2023-01-1090
• Near wake flow features of polygonal cylinders in different incidence angles
  
  Masoudi, E., Gan, L., & Sims-Williams, D. (2021, September 8 – 2021, September 10). Near wake flow features of polygonal cylinders in different incidence angles [Conference paper]. Presented at UK Fluids Conference 2021, Online.
• The Effects of Transient Flow Conditions on the Aerodynamics of an LCV Concept using CFD and Wind Tunnel Experiments
  
  Kremheller, A., Moore, M., Le Good, G., Sims-Williams, D., Newbon, J., & Lewis, R. (2016). The Effects of Transient Flow Conditions on the Aerodynamics of an LCV Concept using CFD and Wind Tunnel Experiments. In International conference on vehicle aerodynamics 2016 : aerodynamics by design, Coventry, 21-22 September 2016. (pp. 189-201). Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
• Analysis of the Impacts of Formula 1 Car Wakes on the Aerodynamic Performance of a Following Vehicle
  
  Newbon, J., Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (2016, June 21). Analysis of the Impacts of Formula 1 Car Wakes on the Aerodynamic Performance of a Following Vehicle. Presented at Aerovehicles 2 : Second International Conference in Numerical and Experimental Aerodynamics of Road Vehicles and Trains., Göteborg, Sweden.
• Investigations of the Rear-End Flow Structures on a Sedan Car
  
  Kounenis, C., Bonitz, S., Ljungskog, E., Sims-Williams, D., Lofdahl, L., Broniewicz, A., Larsson, L., & Sebben, S. (2016). Investigations of the Rear-End Flow Structures on a Sedan Car. In SAE Technical Paper Series (pp. 2016-01-1606). SAE International. https://doi.org/10.4271/2016-01-1606
• The Effects of Unsteady Flow Conditions on Vehicle in Cabin and External Noise Generation
  
  Kounenis, C., Sims-Williams, D., Dominy, R., Berson, A., Oettle, N., & Freeman, C. (2015). The Effects of Unsteady Flow Conditions on Vehicle in Cabin and External Noise Generation. In SAE Technical Paper Series (pp. 2015-01-1555). SAE International. https://doi.org/10.4271/2015-01-1555
• Investigation into the effect of the wake from a generic formula one car on a downstream vehicle
  
  Newbon, J., Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (2014). Investigation into the effect of the wake from a generic formula one car on a downstream vehicle. In International vehicle aerodynamics conference : Holywell Park, Loughborough, UK 14-15 October 2014. (pp. 213-223). Woodhead Publishing.
• Interactions between Underbody Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics
  
  Kounenis, C., Sims-Williams, D., Dominy, R., Berson, A., & Oettle, N. (2014). Interactions between Underbody Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics. In International vehicle aerodynamics conference : Holywell Park, Loughborough, UK 14-15 October 2014. (pp. 263-273). Woodhead Publishing.
• An Active Turbulence Generation System for the Simulation of Aerodynamic Transients in a Model Wind Tunnel
  
  Mankowski, O., Sims-Williams, D., Hunt, A., & Dominy, R. (2014, January 1). An Active Turbulence Generation System for the Simulation of Aerodynamic Transients in a Model Wind Tunnel. Presented at First International Conference in Numerical and Experimental Aerodynamics of Road Vehicles and Trains (Aerovehicles 1)., Bordeau, France.
• Evaluation of the Aeroacoustic Response of a Vehicle to Transient Flow Conditions
  
  Oettle, N., Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (2013). Evaluation of the Aeroacoustic Response of a Vehicle to Transient Flow Conditions. In J. Wiedemann (Ed.), Progress in vehicle aerodynamics and thermal management : proceedings of the 9th FKFS-Conference. (pp. 228-242). Expert Verlag.
• Reconstruction of the Unsteady Pressure Field in a Low Speed Linear Cascade
  
  Förster, F., Sims-Williams, D., & Ingram, G. (2012). Reconstruction of the Unsteady Pressure Field in a Low Speed Linear Cascade. In ASME Turbo Expo 2012 : turbine technical conference and exposition (pp. 2653-2662). American Society of Mechanical Engineers. https://doi.org/10.1115/gt2012-69156
• Time resolved measurements in the Durham Cascade
  
  Forster, F., Sims-Williams, D., Ingram, G., & Dominy, R. (2011, January 1). Time resolved measurements in the Durham Cascade. Presented at ASME Turbo Expo 2011, Vancouver, Canada. https://doi.org/10.1115/gt2011-45838
• The Effects of Unsteady On-Road Flow Conditions on Cabin Noise.
  
  Oettle, N., Sims-Williams, D., Dominy, R., Darlington, C., Freeman, C., & Tindall, P. (2010). The Effects of Unsteady On-Road Flow Conditions on Cabin Noise. In SAE 2010 Special Publications. SAE. https://doi.org/10.4271/2010-01-0289
• Fabrication of an in-plane SU-8 cantilever with integrated strain gauge for wall shear stress measurements in fluid flows
  
  Allen, N., Wood, D., Rosamond, M., & Sims-Williams, D. (2009). Fabrication of an in-plane SU-8 cantilever with integrated strain gauge for wall shear stress measurements in fluid flows. In J. Brugger & D. Briand (Eds.), Proceedings of the Eurosensors XXIII conference. (pp. 923-926). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proche.2009.07.230
• Support Strut Interference Effects on Passenger and Racing car Wind Tunnel Models.
  
  Hetherington, B., & Sims-Williams, D. (2006, April). Support Strut Interference Effects on Passenger and Racing car Wind Tunnel Models. Presented at SAE World Congress., Detroit, USA.
• Periodic Structures within the Formation Region of Trailing Vortices.
  
  Sims-Williams, D., Kaye, S., & Watkins, S. (2006, April). Periodic Structures within the Formation Region of Trailing Vortices. Presented at SAE World Congress., Detroit, USA.
• Unsteady Measurement with Correction on Tubing Distortion
  
  Yang, H., Sims-Williams, D., & He, L. (2003, September). Unsteady Measurement with Correction on Tubing Distortion. Presented at 10th International Symposium on Unsteady Aerodynamics, Aeroacoustics and Aeroelasticity in Turbomachines., Duke University, Durham, USA.
• The Design of an Open-Jet Wind Tunnel for Model Testing.
  
  Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (2002, December). The Design of an Open-Jet Wind Tunnel for Model Testing. Presented at SAE Motorsports Engineering Conference., Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
• The Design of a New Wind Tunnel for Vehicle Aerodynamics Research.
  
  Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (2002, October). The Design of a New Wind Tunnel for Vehicle Aerodynamics Research. Presented at MIRA Vehicle Aerodynamics Conference, Warwick, UK.
• The Reconstruction of Bluff-Body Unsteady Flow Fields.
  
  Crossland, S., Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (2000, August). The Reconstruction of Bluff-Body Unsteady Flow Fields. Presented at 9th International Symposium on Flow Visualization., Edinburgh, UK.
• The Validation and Application of a 5 Hole Pressure Probe with Tubing Transfer Correction for Time-Accurate Measurements in Unsteady Flows.
  
  Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (1998, October). The Validation and Application of a 5 Hole Pressure Probe with Tubing Transfer Correction for Time-Accurate Measurements in Unsteady Flows. Presented at Second MIRA International Conference on Vehicle Aerodynamics., Coventry, UK.
• Experimental investigation into unsteadiness and instability in passenger car aerodynamics
  
  Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (1998, April). Experimental investigation into unsteadiness and instability in passenger car aerodynamics. Presented at SAE World Congress., Detroit, USA.

Doctoral Thesis

• Self-Excited Aerodynamic Unsteadiness Associated with Passenger Cars
  
  Sims-Williams, D. (2001). Self-Excited Aerodynamic Unsteadiness Associated with Passenger Cars [Thesis]. School of Engineering, Durham University.

Journal Article

• Flow induced vibration (FIV) of a pentagonal cylinder with high mass-damping ratio
  
  Masoudi, E., Gan, L., Sims-Williams, D., & Marshall, A. (2025). Flow induced vibration (FIV) of a pentagonal cylinder with high mass-damping ratio. Journal of Fluids and Structures, 133, Article 104267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfluidstructs.2025.104267
• Characterisation and Integration of Piezoelectric Trimorph Actuators for Blade Active Surface Control on a Scaled Wind Turbine
  
  Fuentes Holden, J. P., Gan, L., Sims-Williams, D., Gilbert, J., Osborne, P., & Bastankhah, M. (2024). Characterisation and Integration of Piezoelectric Trimorph Actuators for Blade Active Surface Control on a Scaled Wind Turbine. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2767(9), Article 092094. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2767/9/092094
• Flow separation from polygonal cylinders in an incident flow
  
  Masoudi, E., Sims-Williams, D., & Gan, L. (2023). Flow separation from polygonal cylinders in an incident flow. Physical Review Fluids, 8(1), Article 014701. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevfluids.8.014701
• Representative On-Road Aerodynamic Yaw Angle Distribution in China for Vehicle Development
  
  Xiao, L., Wang, Q., Zhu, X., Bu, H., Huang, T., Yuan, X., Gan, L., & Sims-Williams, D. B. (2022). Representative On-Road Aerodynamic Yaw Angle Distribution in China for Vehicle Development. SAE International Journal of Passenger Vehicle Systems, 16(2). https://doi.org/10.4271/15-16-02-0008
• Large Eddy Simulation of incident flows around polygonal cylinders
  
  Masoudi, E., Gan, L., & Sims-Williams, D. (2021). Large Eddy Simulation of incident flows around polygonal cylinders. Physics of Fluids, 33(10), Article 105112. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0063046
• Round-robin tests of porous disc models
  
  Aubrun, S., Bastankhah, M., Cal, R., Conan, B., Hearst, R., Hoek, D., Hölling, M., Huang, M., Hur, C., Karlsen, B., Neunaber, I., Obligado, M., Peinke, J., Percin, M., Saetran, L., Schito, P., Schliffke, B., Sims-Williams, D., Uzol, O., … Zasso, A. (2019). Round-robin tests of porous disc models. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1256. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1256/1/012004
• Automotive aeroacoustics: An overview
  
  Oettle, N., & Sims-Williams, D. (2017). Automotive aeroacoustics: An overview. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 231(9), 1177-1189. https://doi.org/10.1177/0954407017695147
• Aerodynamic Analysis of Grand Prix Cars Operating in Wake Flows
  
  Newbon, J., Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (2017). Aerodynamic Analysis of Grand Prix Cars Operating in Wake Flows. SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems, 10(1), Article SAE Paper 2017-01-1546. https://doi.org/10.4271/2017-01-1546
• CFD Investigation of the Effect of the Salient Flow Features in the Wake of a Generic Open-Wheel Race Car
  
  Newbon, J., Dominy, R., & Sims-Williams, D. (2015). CFD Investigation of the Effect of the Salient Flow Features in the Wake of a Generic Open-Wheel Race Car. SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems, 8(1), 217-232. https://doi.org/10.4271/2015-01-1539
• Assessing the Aeroacoustic Response of a Vehicle to Transient Flow Conditions from the Perspective of a Vehicle Occupant
  
  Oettle, N., Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (2014). Assessing the Aeroacoustic Response of a Vehicle to Transient Flow Conditions from the Perspective of a Vehicle Occupant. SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems, 7(2), 550-558. https://doi.org/10.4271/2014-01-0591
• A Wind Tunnel Simulation Facility for On-Road Transients
  
  Mankowski, O., Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (2014). A Wind Tunnel Simulation Facility for On-Road Transients. SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems, 7(3), 1087-1095. https://doi.org/10.4271/2014-01-0587
• Evaluation of the Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic Response of a Vehicle to Transient Flow Conditions
  
  Oettle, N., Mankowski, O., Sims-Williams, D., Dominy, R., & Freeman, C. (2013). Evaluation of the Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic Response of a Vehicle to Transient Flow Conditions. SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems, 6(1), 389-402. https://doi.org/10.4271/2013-01-1250
• Bluff Body Drag Reduction with Ventilated Base Cavities
  
  Howell, J., Sims-Williams, D., Sprot, A., Hamlin, F., & Dominy, R. (2012). Bluff Body Drag Reduction with Ventilated Base Cavities. SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems, 5(1), 152-160. https://doi.org/10.4271/2012-01-0171
• The Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Fully Deformable Formula One Wind Tunnel Tyre
  
  Sprot, A., Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (2012). The Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Fully Deformable Formula One Wind Tunnel Tyre. SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems, 5(2), 1026-1041. https://doi.org/10.4271/2012-01-1166
• Assessment of a Vehicle's Transient Aerodynamic Response, SAE Paper 2012-01-0449
  
  Oettle, N., Mankowski, O., Sims-Williams, D., Dominy, R., Freeman, C., & Gaylard, A. (2012). Assessment of a Vehicle’s Transient Aerodynamic Response, SAE Paper 2012-01-0449. SAE Technical Papers. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.4271/2012-01-0449
• An in-Plane Cantilever for Wall Shear Stress Measurement
  
  Allen, N., Sims-Williams, D., & Wood, D. (2012). An in-Plane Cantilever for Wall Shear Stress Measurement. Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, 22(7), Article 074007. https://doi.org/10.1088/0960-1317/22/7/074007
• The Bandwidth of Transient Yaw Effects on Vehicle Aerodynamics
  
  Mankowski, O., Sims-Williams, D., Dominy, R., Duncan, B., & Gargoloff, J. (2011). The Bandwidth of Transient Yaw Effects on Vehicle Aerodynamics. SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems, 4(1), 131-142. https://doi.org/10.4271/2011-01-0160
• Aerodynamic Investigation on the Effect of Varying Through-Hub Flow on a Formula One Front Wheel Assembly
  
  Sprot, A., Minto, J., Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (2011). Aerodynamic Investigation on the Effect of Varying Through-Hub Flow on a Formula One Front Wheel Assembly. SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems, 4(1), 929-944. https://doi.org/10.4271/2011-01-1431
• Cross Winds and Transients: Reality, Simulation and Effects
  
  Sims-Williams, D. (2011). Cross Winds and Transients: Reality, Simulation and Effects. SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems, 4(1), 172-183. https://doi.org/10.4271/2011-01-0172
• The Effects of Unsteady On-Road Flow Conditions on Cabin Noise: Spectral and Geometric Dependence
  
  Oettle, N., Sims-Williams, D., Dominy, R., Darlington, C., & Freeman, C. (2011). The Effects of Unsteady On-Road Flow Conditions on Cabin Noise: Spectral and Geometric Dependence. SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems, 4(1), 120-130. https://doi.org/10.4271/2011-01-0159
• Links between Notchback Geometry, Aerodynamic Drag, Flow Asymmetry and Unsteady Wake Structure
  
  Sims-Williams, D., Marwood, D., & Sprot, A. (2011). Links between Notchback Geometry, Aerodynamic Drag, Flow Asymmetry and Unsteady Wake Structure. SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems, 4(1), 156-165. https://doi.org/10.4271/2011-01-0166
• A Comparison between On-Road and Wind Tunnel Surface Pressure Measurements on a Mid-Sized Hatchback.
  
  Lawson, A., Dominy, R., Sims-Williams, D., & Mears, A. (2008). A Comparison between On-Road and Wind Tunnel Surface Pressure Measurements on a Mid-Sized Hatchback. SAE 2007 Transactions Journal of Passenger Cars:Mechanical Systems, 116-6, 983-992.
• Effects of On-Road Turbulence on Vehicle Surface Pressures in the A-Pillar Region.
  
  Lawson, A., Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (2008). Effects of On-Road Turbulence on Vehicle Surface Pressures in the A-Pillar Region. SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems, 1(1), 333-340. https://doi.org/10.4271/2008-01-0474
• Transfer function characterisation of pressure signal tubes for the measurement of large amplitude pressure fluctuations
  
  Sims-Williams, D., & Luck, D. (2007). Transfer function characterisation of pressure signal tubes for the measurement of large amplitude pressure fluctuations. Proceedings of the IMechE Part C Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, 221(6), 707-713.
• The Development of a Passive Magnetic Levitation System for Wind Tunnel Models
  
  Muscroft, R., Sims-Williams, D., & Cardwell, D. (2006). The Development of a Passive Magnetic Levitation System for Wind Tunnel Models. SAE Transactions : Journal of Passenger Cars : Mechanical Systems, 115(6), 415-419.
• Wind tunnel model support strut interference
  
  Hetherington, B., & Sims-Williams, D. (2004). Wind tunnel model support strut interference. SAE Transactions., 113(6), 442-448.
• The Ahmed model unsteady wake : experimental and computational analyses
  
  Sims-Williams, D., & Duncan, B. (2003). The Ahmed model unsteady wake : experimental and computational analyses. SAE Transactions., 112(6), 1385-1396.
• An investigation into large scale unsteady structures in the wake of real and idealized hatchback car models
  
  Sims-Williams, D., Dominy, R., & Howell, J. (2002). An investigation into large scale unsteady structures in the wake of real and idealized hatchback car models. SAE Transactions., 110(6), 1197-1208.
• Numerical simulation and spectral analysis of pressure fluctuations in vehicle aerodynamic noise generation
  
  Duncan, B., Sengupta, R., Mallick, S., & Sims-Williams, D. (2002). Numerical simulation and spectral analysis of pressure fluctuations in vehicle aerodynamic noise generation. SAE Transactions., 111(6), 872-892.
• The aerodynamic stability of a Le Mans prototype race car under off-design pitch conditions
  
  Dominy, R., Ryan, A., & Sims-Williams, D. (2000). The aerodynamic stability of a Le Mans prototype race car under off-design pitch conditions. SAE Transactions., 109(6), 1454-1460. https://doi.org/10.4271/2000-01-0872
• Gurney Flap Aerodynamic Unsteadiness
  
  Sims-Williams, D., White, A., & Dominy, R. (1999). Gurney Flap Aerodynamic Unsteadiness. Sports Engineering, 2, Article 4. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1460-2687.1999.00035.x
• The reconstruction of periodic pressure fields from point measurements
  
  Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (n.d.). The reconstruction of periodic pressure fields from point measurements. SAE Transactions 1999 Journal of Passenger Cars, 1571-1578.