As part of the Aircraft Conceptual Design module, third-year Aerospace Engineering students attended an engaging guest lecture in Week 5 delivered by Prof Clive Beggs, Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). Prof Beggs, who also served as the lead technical witness to the UK COVID Inquiry and has also resided in Cambridge University Hospitals, presented a talk titled “COVID-19 Risks and Air Travel”.

Drawing upon his extensive expertise in bioaerosols and ventilation systems, Prof Beggs explored how HEPA filtration and air-conditioning systems contribute to maintaining clean air within aircraft cabins, capable of removing over 99.9% of airborne particles. He discussed how the layout of aircraft cabins, airflow design, and mask use influence transmission risk, illustrating his points with real-world data and historical examples of in-flight disease outbreaks. The session offered students a unique insight into how future aircraft design can integrate infection control measures without compromising performance or efficiency.

This lecture was the second in a three-part guest series: the Week three talk by Dr Cohen, Head of Department at Airbus, focused on Aircraft Certification, and the upcoming Week six session will feature Mr Fawkes, Chair of the IMechE Chartered Engineer (CEng) Professional Recognition Panel, discussing Flight Simulation and the CEng application process.