Welcome to My Academic Profile

I am a Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bristol, specializing in experimental and numerical aeroelastic testing of highly flexible aircraft. My research focuses on developing modelling tools to evaluate nonlinear deflections and assess novel load alleviation strategies for next-generation aircraft.

About Dr. Fintan Healy

I am an aerospace researcher focused on the aeroelastic behaviour of highly flexible aircraft. I have a background in structural dynamics, experimental testing, and numerical modelling, developed through my engineering studies and a stint in industry.

I completed a PhD at the University of Bristol on the nonlinear behaviour of freely floating wingtips, which are used to reduce loads during manoeuvres and gust encounters. This work combined wind tunnel experiments with low-order nonlinear modelling to study how large deflections affect aircraft stability.

Since then, my research has included the conceptual design of hydrogen-powered aircraft and the influence of liquid sloshing on flight dynamics. I am currently developing techniques for predicting nonlinear instabilities in flexible structures, alongside a software framework to support the modeling and analysis of flexible aircraft. My work aims to support the design of lighter, safer, and more sustainable aircraft.