By Efosa Taiwo

In the high-stakes world of aerospace engineering, where milliseconds and millimeters can mean the difference between breakthrough and failure, a Nigerian mechanical engineer, Tin-Charles Ogbozor is making waves with research that could fundamentally change how we approach supersonic flight. 

Currently based in the United States, where he collaborates with some of the world’s leading aerospace researchers, Tin-Charles has been investigating one of aviation’s most persistent challenges: the devastating shockwaves that occur when aircraft break the sound barrier. 

His research, titled “Effect of Nose Rounding on Shockwave Behavior and Flow Field in a Supersonic Intake Using Forward Step Geometry,” has caught the attention of major aerospace organizations worldwide, including NASA, Boeing, and the European Space Agency.

In this exclusive interview, Tin-Charles discusses his pioneering work on shockwave management in supersonic aircraft engines.

Excerpts:

Tin-Charles, your research is generating significant buzz in aerospace circles globally. Can you explain what specific problem you’re trying to solve?

Thank you for having me. Let me start with some context. When aircraft fly faster than sound, what we call Mach 1 or about 1,235 kilometers per hour at sea level, they create powerful shockwaves that cause tremendous energy losses. These shockwaves are like invisible walls of compressed air that slam into the aircraft’s engines, reducing efficiency by up to 40% and creating dangerous instabilities that can lead to engine failure or structural damage.

For decades, since the days of the Concorde, engineers have struggled with this problem. My research shows that by carefully rounding the nose of supersonic intakes essentially the “nostrils” of the aircraft engine; we can actually “soften” these shockwaves and improve engine performance dramatically. It’s a bit like smoothing the edges of a sharp cliff to create a gentle slope instead.

That sounds incredibly complex. Can you break down your findings for our readers in more practical terms?

Certainly. Imagine you’re driving on a smooth highway when suddenly you hit a massive speed bump at high speed, that’s what traditional sharp-edged intakes do to supersonic airflow. They create what we call “strong oblique shocks” think of them as violent collisions between air molecules moving at supersonic speeds.

Through extensive computational simulations involving millions of calculations and wind tunnel experiments that took over eighteen months, I’ve demonstrated that strategic nose rounding can reduce shock strength by up to 15%, decrease flow separation zones by 20%, and improve pressure recovery by 8%. These might sound like small numbers, but in aerospace engineering, they represent massive improvements. To put it in perspective, an 8% improvement in pressure recovery could save an airline operating supersonic aircraft up to $20 million annually in fuel costs alone.

Your educational journey began at UNIZIK in Awka. How did your Nigerian education prepare you for this level of cutting-edge research?

UNIZIK gave me an incredibly strong foundation that I’m grateful for every day. The mechanical engineering program there emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical problem solving. I remember our Professors sayings, “Don’t just memorize formulas – understand the physics behind them.” That advice has been invaluable.

My Nigerian education taught me to work with limited resources creatively. We often had to design experiments with basic materials and still produce valid results. This resourcefulness is actually an advantage in research because it forces you to think fundamentally about problems rather than relying solely on expensive equipment.

What people often underestimate about Nigerian engineering education is the rigor. We had to solve complex problems without always having access to the latest software or equipment. This built a strong theoretical foundation that has served me well in advanced research. When I arrived in the US for my postgraduate studies, I found I was as well-prepared as my colleagues from supposedly more prestigious institutions.

You’ve been working with some of the world’s leading aerospace organizations. How did you gain their attention?

 It started with my first published paper on computational fluid dynamics, which I actually began working on during my final year at UNIZIK. I was investigating airflow patterns around wind turbine blades, a completely different application, but the fundamental physics is similar. That paper caught the attention of a professor at a US university who invited me to join his research team.

From there, it was about consistently producing quality work. In aerospace research, your nationality matters less than your ability to solve problems. When I presented my preliminary findings on shockwave management at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics conference, several senior researchers from NASA and Boeing approached me. They were intrigued not just by the results, but by the novel approach—questioning assumptions that had been accepted for decades.

Your work has implications for both civilian and military aviation. Can you elaborate on the potential applications?

Absolutely. On the civilian side, we’re seeing renewed interest in supersonic passenger aircraft. Companies like Boom Supersonic and Aerion are developing the next generation of supersonic jets. My research could help make these aircraft quieter and more fuel-efficient, potentially allowing supersonic flight over land, which is currently banned in many countries due to sonic booms.

Imagine flying from Lagos to London in just two hours, or Lagos to New York in three hours instead of nine. For business travelers, this could revolutionize international commerce. For the aviation industry, it could open up entirely new markets.

On the military side, the applications are even more diverse. Fighter jets operating at supersonic speeds could achieve better fuel efficiency and longer range. Hypersonic missiles which travel at five times the speed of sound or faster could benefit from more efficient propulsion systems. The same principles apply to scramjet engines used in vehicles that might one day take passengers to the edge of space.

There are also space applications. The technology could improve the efficiency of launch vehicles during their supersonic and hypersonic flight phases, potentially reducing the cost of putting satellites into orbit.

You’ve presented at international conferences and have papers coming out in prestigious journals. How has the global aerospace community responded to your work?

The response has been incredibly encouraging. At the AIAA conference, I gave a presentation to an audience that included some of the pioneers in supersonic flight research. Afterward, Dr. James Morrison, who worked on the original Concorde project, told me my approach was “the kind of fresh thinking the industry needs.”

What’s particularly gratifying is that they’re not just interested in the technical aspects they’re impressed that this innovative approach came from a Nigerian engineer. It’s changing perceptions about African contributions to high-tech fields. I’ve been invited to speak at the International Astronautical Congress in Paris next year, and there’s talk of a visiting fellowship at the German Aerospace Center.

Several aerospace companies have also reached out about potential collaboration or licensing agreements for my research. While I can’t discuss specifics due to confidentiality agreements, I can say that there’s serious commercial interest in implementing these findings in next-generation aircraft.

Speaking of African contributions, what’s your message to Nigeria regarding aerospace research and development?

Nigeria has enormous untapped potential in aerospace engineering. We have brilliant minds—I see it in the young engineers graduating from our universities. What we need is strategic investment in research infrastructure and international partnerships.

Countries like India, Brazil, and South Korea have built thriving aerospace industries through deliberate government policies and industry collaboration. India, for example, went from having no aerospace industry in the 1960s to successfully landing on the moon. They did this through sustained investment in research, education, and international partnerships.

Nigeria should establish dedicated aerospace research centers, create funding mechanisms for advanced engineering research, and forge partnerships with international aerospace organizations. The global aerospace industry is worth over $800 billion annually. Even capturing 1% of this market would create thousands of high-tech jobs and generate billions in revenue.

What specific steps should Nigerian universities take to develop aerospace capabilities?

First, they need to establish stronger industry partnerships. When I was at UNIZIK, we had limited access to advanced research equipment. Universities should collaborate with aerospace companies to create research labs and internship programs. For instance, they could partner with Nigerian airlines for practical training programs.

Second, we need more emphasis on computational methods and simulation technologies, these are the tools driving modern aerospace research. A single advanced wind tunnel costs millions of dollars, but computational fluid dynamics software can be acquired for a fraction of that cost and provides similar capabilities for many applications.

Third, our institutions should actively seek international research collaborations. I currently co-supervise two PhD students at UNIZIK remotely, but we need more formal exchange programs. Universities should create joint research programs with established aerospace institutions abroad.

Fourth, we need to update our curriculum regularly. Aerospace technology evolves rapidly, and our programs must keep pace. This includes emerging fields like electric aircraft, urban air mobility, and space technology.

Finally, we should create aerospace research consortiums where multiple Nigerian universities pool resources and expertise. This approach has worked well in other countries and could accelerate our aerospace capabilities.

You’re now working on adaptive geometry systems. Can you explain this next phase of your research?

Yes, this is really exciting. I’m developing intake systems that can automatically adjust their geometry based on flight conditions. Imagine an engine inlet that changes shape in real-time to maintain optimal performance whether the aircraft is taking off, cruising at Mach 2, or maneuvering at high altitudes.

Current aircraft have fixed geometries optimized for specific flight conditions. But flight conditions change constantly altitude, speed, air temperature, angle of attack. My adaptive system uses smart materials and advanced sensors to continuously optimize the intake geometry. It’s like giving the aircraft a “smart” respiratory system that adapts to different conditions.

Early simulations suggest this could improve efficiency by another 10-12% beyond what my current research has achieved. We’re also exploring applications in hypersonic flight, where conditions change even more dramatically.

Your research seems highly technical, but what are the real-world benefits for ordinary people?

Great question. Let me give you some concrete examples. Faster air travel could revolutionize business and tourism. Imagine Nigerian business executives flying to China for a meeting and returning the same day. Or tourists from Europe visiting Nigeria for weekend getaways because the flight takes only three hours instead of six or seven.

For cargo transport, the implications are huge. Fresh Nigerian agricultural products could reach international markets in hours, not days. This could transform our agricultural export industry. Perishable goods like flowers, fruits, and vegetables could compete in premium markets currently inaccessible due to transport time.

On the environmental side, more efficient engines mean less fuel consumption and lower emissions. My research could reduce fuel consumption by 15-20% for supersonic flight. Given that aviation contributes about 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, these improvements matter.

The technology also drives innovation in other fields. Materials developed for aerospace often find applications in automotive, renewable energy, and even medical devices. The computational methods we develop improve weather forecasting, climate modeling, and drug discovery.

And let’s not forget national pride and inspiration. When young Nigerians see one of their own solving complex problems at the forefront of aerospace technology, it inspires them to pursue STEM careers. This creates a positive cycle of innovation and development.

You’ve achieved significant success abroad. Do you have plans to contribute directly to Nigeria’s aerospace development?

Absolutely. I’m already mentoring Nigerian engineering students online and collaborating with professors at UNIZIK, University of Lagos, and Federal University of Technology, Owerri on research proposals. Every month, I host virtual seminars for Nigerian engineering students where I share latest developments in aerospace research.

My long-term goal is to help establish an aerospace research center in Nigeria. I envision a facility where our brightest minds can work on cutting-edge projects without having to leave the country. I’m currently working with a group of Nigerian engineers in the diaspora to develop a proposal for the Nigerian government.

We’re also exploring partnerships with Nigerian airlines and the Nigerian Air Force for applied research projects. The idea is to solve real problems while building local expertise.

What about concerns regarding brain drain? How do we keep talented engineers like yourself in Nigeria?

The brain drain in Nigerian STEM fields is real and concerning. But I believe we can reverse it by creating opportunities at home. It’s not just about salaries though competitive compensation matters. It’s about creating an environment where talented engineers can do meaningful work.

We need research facilities, international collaborations, and clear career paths. When engineers see they can build world-class careers in Nigeria, many will choose to stay or return. I know several Nigerian aerospace engineers abroad who would return if the right opportunities existed.

My approach is to build bridges. Even while based abroad, I’m actively involved in developing Nigeria’s aerospace capacity. Many of us in the diaspora are eager to contribute. The government and private sector need to create frameworks that facilitate this contribution.

What advice do you have for young Nigerians interested in aerospace engineering?

First, believe in yourself. The same brain that works in Nigeria works anywhere in the world. Don’t let anyone tell you that certain fields are “too advanced” for Nigerians. We have the intellectual capacity to excel in any field.

Second, master the fundamentals. Mathematics, physics, and computational methods are your foundation. Don’t rush through these subjects, build a deep understanding. Third, leverage online resources. MIT, Stanford, and other top universities offer free courses online. Take advantage of these.

Fourth, start projects early. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Build model aircraft, design in CAD software, participate in engineering competitions. Practical experience is invaluable. Fifth, network globally. Join professional societies like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) or the Royal Aeronautical Society. Many offer student memberships.

Sixth, find mentors. Reach out to Nigerian engineers in aerospace or related fields. Most of us are happy to guide the next generation. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Finally, think beyond traditional paths. Aerospace technology intersects with many fields, artificial intelligence, materials science, renewable energy. Your aerospace knowledge can open doors in multiple industries.

Looking at Nigeria’s current technological landscape, what opportunities do you see for aerospace development?

Nigeria is actually well-positioned for aerospace development. We have a large, young population eager to embrace technology. Our domestic aviation market is one of the fastest-growing in Africa. This creates natural demand for aerospace expertise.

The satellite communications sector offers immediate opportunities. Nigeria already has satellites in orbit, but we can expand into satellite manufacturing. Countries like South Korea and Israel built their aerospace industries starting with satellites.

Urban air mobility, think flying taxis is another opportunity. Lagos’ notorious traffic makes it an ideal market for aerial transport solutions. Nigerian engineers could develop systems specifically designed for our urban environments.

Defense applications also offer potential. The Nigerian Air Force needs indigenous maintenance and upgrade capabilities. This could start with simple systems and gradually build to more complex projects.

We should also consider space technology. The Nigerian Space Agency has ambitious plans, but we need more private sector participation. Small satellite technology is becoming increasingly accessible, and Nigerian companies could enter this market.

Your research papers are highly technical. How do you make your work accessible to policymakers and the general public?

This is crucial because public understanding drives support for research funding. I always try to use analogies that people can relate to. For example, I compare shockwaves to the wave created by a speedboat, everyone understands that image.

When speaking to policymakers, I focus on economic benefits, job creation, and national competitiveness. Numbers matter here, if my research can save airlines millions in fuel costs, that’s compelling for decision-makers.

I also write opinion pieces for newspapers and give public lectures when possible. Social media has been valuable for reaching younger audiences. I share behind-the-scenes glimpses of aerospace research, making it less mysterious and more accessible.

Visual aids help tremendously. Computer simulations and animations can show complex aerodynamic phenomena in ways everyone can understand. I’ve found that people are naturally curious about flight, we just need to explain it in relatable terms.

What are the biggest challenges facing African researchers in high-tech fields like aerospace?

The biggest challenge is undoubtedly funding. Aerospace research requires expensive equipment and facilities. A single wind tunnel test can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without adequate funding, African researchers struggle to compete globally.

Access to advanced facilities is another major issue. Many African universities lack modern laboratories and testing equipment. This forces researchers to rely heavily on theoretical work or seek collaborations abroad.

Limited industry connections also hurt. In developed countries, aerospace companies fund university research and provide internship opportunities. Africa’s limited aerospace industry means fewer such opportunities.

Brain drain remains a persistent problem. Many talented African researchers leave for better opportunities abroad. While some, like myself, maintain connections with home institutions, others are lost to the continent entirely.

There’s also the challenge of skepticism. Some people still doubt that cutting-edge research can come from Africa. This mindset affects everything from funding decisions to international collaboration opportunities.

Finally, bureaucratic hurdles can slow research progress. Getting approval for projects, importing equipment, or establishing international collaborations often involves lengthy administrative processes.

Despite these challenges, you’ve managed to succeed. What kept you motivated?

My motivation comes from several sources. First, I’m genuinely passionate about aerospace engineering. The idea that humans can design machines that fly faster than sound still amazes me. Every research breakthrough feels like participating in humanity’s greatest adventure.

Second, I want to prove that Nigerians can compete at the highest levels of technology. Every paper I publish, every conference presentation I give, helps change perceptions about African capabilities in high-tech fields.

Third, I think about the next generation. If my success can inspire young Nigerians to pursue careers in aerospace or other STEM fields, that’s incredibly motivating. I regularly receive messages from Nigerian students who say my work inspired them to study engineering.

Fourth, the potential applications of my research drive me. Knowing that my work could lead to more efficient aircraft, reduce environmental impact, or enable new technologies keeps me going through difficult times.

Finally, I have a strong support system. My family, mentors, and colleagues have been incredible. This network of support has been crucial.

You mentioned environmental benefits earlier. Can you elaborate on how your research contributes to sustainable aviation?

Aviation faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. My research addresses this in several ways. First, more efficient engines burn less fuel, directly reducing CO2 emissions. A 15-20% improvement in supersonic fuel efficiency, as my research suggests, could significantly reduce aviation’s carbon footprint.

Second, better aerodynamics reduce noise pollution. Supersonic flight bans over land exist partly due to sonic booms. If we can develop quieter supersonic aircraft through better shockwave management, it opens up new route possibilities while minimizing noise impact on communities.

Third, improved efficiency could make alternative fuels more viable. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are currently expensive. If aircraft are more fuel-efficient overall, the higher cost of SAF becomes more manageable for airlines.

Fourth, the computational methods I’m developing reduce the need for physical testing. Wind tunnel tests are energy-intensive. Advanced simulations can minimize these tests, reducing the environmental impact of aircraft development itself.

Finally, the adaptive geometry systems I’m working on could optimize aircraft performance across different flight conditions, further reducing fuel consumption and emissions throughout entire flights.

Looking ahead, where do you see aerospace technology heading in the next decade?

The next decade will be transformative for aerospace. We’ll likely see the return of commercial supersonic flight, with several companies planning to launch services by 2029-2030. My research could contribute to making these aircraft more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Urban air mobility will become reality. Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will begin operating in major cities, initially for cargo and then for passengers. This will create entirely new markets and require new regulatory frameworks.

Space tourism will expand significantly. As launch costs decrease, more people will experience space travel. This will drive innovation in spacecraft design and life support systems.

Artificial intelligence will revolutionize aircraft design and operation. AI-driven design optimization, predictive maintenance, and autonomous flight systems will become standard. Traditional boundaries between aerospace and computer science will blur.

Sustainable aviation will accelerate. We’ll see more electric aircraft for short routes, hydrogen-powered planes for medium distances, and more efficient conventional aircraft for long-haul flights. The industry must meet ambitious carbon reduction targets.

Hypersonic flight will mature from military applications to potentially civilian uses. Imagine flying from Lagos to Sydney in two hours. The technology exists—we need to make it practical and affordable.

What role can Nigeria play in these developments?

Nigeria can be more than just a consumer of these technologies—we can be developers and innovators. Our large market makes us attractive for testing new aviation concepts. For instance, urban air mobility solutions designed for Lagos’s unique challenges could be exported to other megacities.

We can leverage our human capital. Nigerian engineers and scientists in the diaspora possess cutting-edge expertise. With the right policies and incentives, this knowledge can be channeled home.

Our strategic location makes us ideal for space launches. Countries near the equator have advantages for certain types of satellite orbits. Nigeria could develop as a space launch destination.

We can also focus on niche areas where we have comparative advantages. For example, developing aviation solutions for hot climates, or creating maintenance and repair facilities for the growing African aviation market.

The key is strategic planning and sustained investment. We need to identify specific areas where Nigeria can compete globally and concentrate resources there.

Finally, what’s next for Tin-Charles Ogbozor?

Immediately, I’m preparing for presentations at conferences in Paris and Tokyo. There’s also exciting work with my research team on adaptive geometry systems. We’re filing several patents that could have commercial applications within five years.

I’m also working on a book about aerospace engineering for African audiences. It will cover everything from basic principles to cutting-edge research, written in accessible language. The goal is to inspire the next generation of African aerospace engineers.

A major priority is establishing formal research collaborations between my current institution and Nigerian universities. We’re developing a proposal for a joint research center focusing on tropical aerospace challenges.

I’m also in discussions with the Nigerian government about contributing to the country’s space program. While I can’t share details yet, there are exciting possibilities for developing indigenous satellite technology.

On the commercial front, I’m exploring opportunities to bring some of my research outcomes to market. Several aerospace companies have expressed interest in licensing my technologies.

But beyond personal achievements, my focus remains on building Nigeria’s aerospace capabilities. Whether through mentoring, research collaboration, or policy advocacy, I want to help position Nigeria as a significant player in the global aerospace industry.

This is just the beginning. With the right support and investment, Nigeria can become an aerospace powerhouse. We have the talent we need to create the ecosystem that allows it to flourish. That’s my mission for the next decade.