The Neil Ashton Podcast

Discover valuable career advice tailored for aspiring engineers. The discussion dives into the pros and cons of different workplaces, from large corporations to startups. There's a strong emphasis on the growing role of software skills in engineering, with insights into diverse career paths like software development and solution architecture. Neil highlights the shift towards tech, AI's impact, and the importance of understanding the tech landscape to make informed career decisions. A must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the evolving engineering job market!

Prof. Michael Mahoney, a leading expert in machine learning from UC Berkeley, shares fascinating insights on the interplay between mathematics and AI in science. He discusses the role of randomized linear algebra in enhancing computational efficiency. The conversation highlights the tension between physics-informed and data-driven approaches. Mahoney also addresses the evolving relationship between academia and industry, emphasizing the importance of data accessibility and collaboration in advancing machine learning applications.

In this episode of the Neil Ashton Podcast, Dr. Prith Banerjee, CTO of Ansys, shares his extensive journey from academia to the corporate world, discussing the interplay between academia and industry, the role of startups in innovation, and the transformative potential of AI and ML in simulation. He emphasizes the importance of solving real-world problems and the need for collaboration between academia, startups, and large corporations to foster disruptive innovation. He discusses innovative business models for data sharing, the intersection of data-driven and physics-informed approaches, the role of open source in AI innovation, the potential of foundational models in computer-aided engineering (CAE), the future of quantum computing in simulation, and offers advice for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, data governance, and the need for interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex problems in engineering and technology.Dr. Banerjee's book - The Innovation factory: https://www.amazon.com/Innovation-Factory-Prith-Banerjee-PH/dp/B0B7LZPDZWYoutube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/9Ic5xgJt6BQChapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest05:18 Dr. Prith Banerjee's Journey: From Academia to CTO09:10 The Role of Academia, Startups, and Industry17:22 Advice for Startups: Motivation and Market Sizing24:04 The Impact of AI and ML on Simulation35:07 Future of AI in Physics and Simulation36:10 The Power of Data in AI Models40:33 Incentivizing Data Sharing for Better Models42:55 Physics-Driven vs Data-Driven Approaches47:30 The Role of Open Source in AI Innovation52:06 Foundational Models and Simulation Data58:22 The Future of CAE and Quantum Computing01:06:29 Advice for Aspiring InnovatorsKeywordsNeil Ashton, Prith Banerjee, CAE, AI, ML, simulation, academia, startups, industry, innovation, AI, data sharing, physics-driven, open source, foundational models, quantum computing, CAE, simulation, innovation, engineering

In this episode of the Neil Ashton podcast, Peter Coen from NASA discusses the evolution and future of supersonic travel, focusing on the challenges faced by the Concorde, the technological hurdles of modern supersonic aircraft, and the innovative NASA Quesst mission (and X-59 demonstrator) that aims to provide crucial data to rewrite the aviation noise regulations. The conversation delves into the history of supersonic flight, the impact of sonic booms, and the regulatory landscape that will shape the future of aviation. In this conversation, Peter discusses the complexities of supersonic flight, focusing on the physics of shockwaves, innovative design strategies to mitigate sonic booms, and advancements in pilot visibility technology. He emphasizes the importance of human factors in aircraft design and the role of simulation in the development process. The discussion also covers the challenges of engine technology for commercial supersonic travel, the potential for hypersonic passenger travel, and the future of battery technology in aviation. Finally, Peter offers career advice for aspiring professionals in the aeronautics field.LinksNASA Quesst mission: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/quesst/AIAA Low-Boom Prediction Workshop: https://lbpw.larc.nasa.govX-59 (Lockheed Martin website): https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/x-59-quiet-supersonic.htmlChapters00:00 Introduction to Supersonic Travel04:05 The History of Supersonic Flight09:56 Challenges Faced by Concorde16:02 Technological Challenges of Supersonic Travel25:48 NASA's X-59 and the Quest Mission33:45 Future of Supersonic Travel and Regulations38:04 Understanding Shockwaves in Supersonic Flight40:02 Design Innovations for Sonic Boom Reduction43:16 Advancements in Pilot Visibility Technology46:27 Human Factors in Aircraft Design48:23 The Role of Simulation in Aircraft Development51:42 Engine Noise and Its Impact on Supersonic Travel54:31 The Future of Commercial Supersonic Travel57:13 Challenges in Engine Technology for Supersonic Aircraft01:00:17 The Intersection of Military and Supersonic Travel01:02:09 Exploring Hypersonic Passenger Travel01:06:39 The Future of Battery Technology in Aviation01:09:09 Career Advice for Aspiring Aeronautics ProfessionalsKeywordssupersonic travel, Concorde, NASA, X-59, sonic boom, aviation technology, hypersonic flight, aerospace engineering, aircraft design, noise regulations, supersonic flight, sonic boom, aircraft design, pilot technology, simulation, engine noise, commercial aviation, hypersonic travel, battery technology, aeronautics careers, Peter Coen

In this episode of the Neil Ashton podcast, we celebrate the life and contributions of Professor Antony Jameson, a pioneer in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The conversation explores his early influences, academic journey, and significant contributions to aerodynamics and engineering. Professor Jameson shares insights from his career in both academia and industry, highlighting pivotal moments that shaped his work in CFD and transonic flow. Prof. Jameson discusses his journey through the complexities of numerical methods for fluid flow, his transition from industry to academia, the development of influential flow codes, and the evolution of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). He reflects on the challenges of teaching, the impact of his work on the aerospace industry, and the commercialization of CFD technologies. In this conversation, he shares his journey from academia to industry, discussing the challenges and successes he faced in the field of aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics. He reflects on the importance of innovation, the impact of industry experience on academic research, and offers valuable advice for aspiring professionals in aeronautics. The discussion also touches on the evolution of computational power and the role of machine learning in the field.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics and Professor Jameson05:02 Professor Jameson's Early Life and Influences20:00 Academic Journey and Contributions to Aerodynamics34:50 Career in Industry and Transition to Academia48:52 Pivotal Moments in Computational Fluid Dynamics50:19 Navigating Numerical Methods for Fluid Flow57:02 Transitioning to Academia and Teaching Challenges01:06:25 Developing Flow Codes FLO & SYN and Their Impact01:12:21 The Evolution of Computational Fluid Dynamics01:19:10 Commercialization and the Future of CFD01:30:34 Journey to Success: From Code to Commercialization01:37:02 Innovations in Aerodynamics: Control Theory and Design01:43:06 The Impact of Industry Experience on Academic Research01:51:24 The Evolution of Computational Power in Aerodynamics02:01:29 Advice for Aspiring Aeronautics ProfessionalsSummary of key work: (see http://aero-comlab.stanford.edu/jameson/publication_list.html for the publication number) Th first work that had a strong impact on the aircraft industry was Flo22. The numerical algorithm used in Flo22 is analyzed in detail in Publication 31, Iterative solution of transonic flows.The next work that had a worldwide impact was the JST scheme in 1981. The AIAA Paper 81-1259 (publication 67) has more than 6000 citations on Google Scholar. Prof. Jameson gave two other presentations a few months earlier which describe the numerical method in more detail. These are publications 63 and 65. More recently he gave a history of the JST scheme and its further development in publication 456, which also gives a detailed discussion of the multigrid scheme which was  first  described in publication 78.The Airplane Code described in AIAA Paper 86-0103 (publication 104) was the first code that could solve the Euler equations for a complete aircraft, the culmination of 15 years of his efforts to calculate transonic flows for progressively more complex configurations and with more complete mathematical models. It was never published as a journal article. The design of algorithms for unstructured grids is comprehensively discussed in his book (publication 500).He proposed the idea of using control theory for aerodynamic shape optimization in 1988 in publication 127, and its further development for transonic flows modeled by the RANS equations is described publications 222 and 229.  Its most striking application was the aerodynamic design of the Gulfstream G650 in 2006, when he performed the calculations with Syn107 on a server in his garage.

In this episode of the Neil Ashton podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of cycling, focusing on the critical role of aerodynamics and the evolution of training techniques. Featuring Dr. Michael Hutchinson, a former top-level cyclist and expert in cycling aerodynamics, the conversation explores Dr. Hutch's journey from competitive cycling to becoming a prominent figure in cycling media. The discussion highlights the importance of power meters in training, the cultural landscape of cycling in the UK, and the technical innovations that have transformed the sport. In this conversation, we discuss the evolution of cycling performance, focusing on the impact of training, nutrition, and equipment. We highlight the importance of training less, the advancements in nutrition that allow cyclists to perform better, and the diverse training approaches that exist among athletes. The conversation also touches on the professionalism of cyclists, the rise of women's cycling, and the significant role of aerodynamics and equipment in enhancing performance. In this conversation, Neil and Dr Hutch discusses the intricate balance between power and aerodynamics in cycling, the evolution of rider trust in aerodynamic advice, and the significant impact of wind tunnels on performance. He explores the challenges of wind tunnel testing versus real-world validation, the role of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in cycling aerodynamics, and the regulatory challenges that arise with advancing technology. Dr Hutch X handle: https://x.com/Doctor_Hutch Faster: The Obsession, Science and Luck Behind the World's Fastest Cyclists: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Faster-Obsession-Science-Fastest-Cyclists/dp/1408843757 Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Cycling Passion02:57 The Intersection of Cycling and Aerodynamics06:02 Dr. Hutch's Journey into Competitive Cycling08:57 The Evolution of Aerodynamics in Cycling12:13 The Role of Power Meters in Cycling Performance15:01 Training Techniques and the Shift to Power Metrics17:58 Transitioning from Cycling to Media and Writing20:50 The Cultural Landscape of Cycling in the UK24:13 Technical Innovations and Personal Experiments in Aerodynamics27:01 The Impact of Power Meters on Training and Performance32:51 The Power of Training Less34:15 Evolution of Cycling Performance38:30 Nutrition: The Game Changer39:47 Diverse Training Approaches42:31 The Professionalism of Cyclists48:11 The Rise of Women's Cycling50:33 Aerodynamics: The Key to Speed56:06 The Impact of Equipment on Performance01:05:08 Balancing Power and Aerodynamics in Cycling01:07:05 The Evolution of Rider Trust in Aerodynamics01:10:55 The Impact of Wind Tunnels on Cycling Performance01:12:21 Challenges of Wind Tunnel Testing and Real-World Validation01:20:26 The Role of CFD in Cycling Aerodynamics01:25:31 Regulatory Challenges in Cycling Technology01:31:08 The Future of Cycling: Balancing Technology and TraditionKeywordscycling, aerodynamics, Dr. Hutch, power meters, training techniques, cycling culture, performance metrics, cycling history, competitive cycling, cycling media, cycling, training, nutrition, performance, aerodynamics, women's cycling, professional cycling, power meter, skin suits, coaching, cycling, aerodynamics, wind tunnels, biomechanics, CFD, technology, performance, regulations, rider trust, power

Discover the exciting future of Computational Fluid Dynamics with a focus on emerging trends. Learn how GPUs are becoming the go-to platform, while AI and machine learning are transforming CFD methodologies. Cloud computing is reshaping how resources are accessed, promoting digital certification. Startups are stepping up with innovative solutions, and mergers and acquisitions are on the rise in this dynamic industry. The rapid evolution is poised to enhance simulation accuracy and efficiency, opening up new opportunities!

In this episode of the Neil Ashton podcast, Nikolas Tombazis discusses his journey into engineering and Formula One, starting from his passion for mathematics, physics, and design. He shares how his childhood dream of designing Formula One cars led him to pursue engineering. Tombazis also talks about his experience at Cambridge University and the freedom he enjoyed during his university years. He then delves into his decision to pursue a PhD in experimental aerodynamics and the valuable skills he gained from his research. Tombazis reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of being a chief aerodynamicist in Formula One, as well as the evolving role of CFD in the industry. The conversation explores the advancements in wind tunnel technology and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in Formula One. It discusses the role of CFD as a design tool and the potential for it to become the predominant tool in the future. The conversation also touches on the balance between the technical aspects of the sport and the entertainment value for fans. The importance of teamwork, leadership, and culture in Formula One teams is highlighted, as well as the challenges of maintaining success and avoiding complacency. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring Formula One professionals, emphasizing the value of a broad skill set and the potential for Formula One as a stepping stone to other industries.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Season Two03:38 Nikolas Tombazis: A Key Figure in Formula One04:56 Early Influences and Passion for Engineering08:52 The Journey Through Cambridge and PhD Studies12:57 Entering Formula One: The Path to Benetton18:25 The Evolution of Aerodynamics in Formula One24:06 The Role of CFD and Wind Tunnel Technology38:53 Balancing Technology and Entertainment in F144:47 The Future of AI in Formula One54:56 Understanding Team Dynamics and Performance Variability01:03:44 Advice for Aspiring Engineers in Formula One

The first season of the Neil Ashton podcast comes to a close with a recap of the episodes and a glimpse into what's to come in the next season. Look out for Season 2 in September with lots more great guests and discussion on hypersonics, CFD, Formula One, cycling,  space exploration and more!

Anima Anandkumar, a Bren Professor at Caltech and a leading scientist in AI and ML, shares her journey from academia to industry roles at Nvidia and AWS. They discuss the groundbreaking role of AI in enhancing weather forecasting and complex phenomena modeling, including applications in fluid dynamics and nuclear fusion. Anandkumar emphasizes the need for collaboration between AI experts and domain specialists. She also highlights the revolutionary potential of neural operators in improving simulation accuracy, bridging the gap between traditional methods and AI advancements.