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

• Near wake flow features of polygonal cylinders in different incidence angles
  Masoudi, E., Gan, L., & Sims-Williams, D. (2021, September). Near wake flow features of polygonal cylinders in different incidence angles. Paper presented at UK Fluids Conference 2021, Online
• Three Dimensional Beamforming for Improved Noise Source Localisation
  Sims-Williams, D., Kounenis, C., Dominy, R., & Oettle, N. Three Dimensional Beamforming for Improved Noise Source Localisation. Presented at 10th FKFS Conference Progress in Vehicle Aerodynamics and Thermal Management, Stuttgart, Germany
• 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, September). Extracting Quantitative Streamline Information from Surface Flow Visualization Images in a Linear Cascade using Convolutional Neural Networks. Presented at GPPS Chania24, Chania
• 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). 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
• 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, September). The Effects of Transient Flow Conditions on the Aerodynamics of an LCV Concept using CFD and Wind Tunnel Experiments. Presented at International Conference on Vehicle Aerodynamics 2016, Coventry
• 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). 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, April). Investigations of the Rear-End Flow Structures on a Sedan Car. Presented at SAE 2016 World Congress and Exhibition, Detroit, Michigan
• 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, April). The Effects of Unsteady Flow Conditions on Vehicle in Cabin and External Noise Generation. Presented at SAE 2015 World Congress & Exhibition, Detroit, Michigan
• 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, October). Investigation into the effect of the wake from a generic formula one car on a downstream vehicle. Presented at International Vehicle Aerodynamics Conference, Loughborough, UK
• Interactions between Underbody Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics
  Kounenis, C., Sims-Williams, D., Dominy, R., Berson, A., & Oettle, N. (2014, October). Interactions between Underbody Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics. Presented at International Vehicle Aerodynamics Conference, Loughborough, UK
• 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, June). 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, December). Evaluation of the Aeroacoustic Response of a Vehicle to Transient Flow Conditions. Presented at 9th FKFS Conference Progress in Vehicle Aerodynamics and Thermal Management, Stuttgart, Germany
• Reconstruction of the Unsteady Pressure Field in a Low Speed Linear Cascade
  Förster, F., Sims-Williams, D., & Ingram, G. (2012, December). Reconstruction of the Unsteady Pressure Field in a Low Speed Linear Cascade. Presented at ASME Turbo Expo 2012: Turbine Technical Conference and Exposition, Copenhagen, Denmark
• Time resolved measurements in the Durham Cascade
  Forster, F., Sims-Williams, D., Ingram, G., & Dominy, R. (2023, June). Time resolved measurements in the Durham Cascade. Presented at ASME Turbo Expo 2011, Vancouver, Canada
• 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, April). The Effects of Unsteady On-Road Flow Conditions on Cabin Noise. Presented at SAE 2010 World Congress & Exhibition, April 2010,, Detroit, USA
• 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, September). Fabrication of an in-plane SU-8 cantilever with integrated strain gauge for wall shear stress measurements in fluid flows. Presented at Eurosensors XXIII conference, Lausanne, Switzerland
• 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. https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1647413

Journal Article

• 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. (online). Assessment of a Vehicle's Transient Aerodynamic Response, SAE Paper 2012-01-0449. SAE Technical Papers, https://doi.org/10.4271/2012-01-0449
• The reconstruction of periodic pressure fields from point measurements
  Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (online). The reconstruction of periodic pressure fields from point measurements
• 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., Vinnes, M., & 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), 318-329. 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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, 221-233. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1460-2687.1999.00035.x