Karl W. Jenkins
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Karl W. Jenkins has a total of 42 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Jun Li
School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing (SATM), Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, Bedfordshire, UK
5 shared publications - László Könözsy
Cranfield University
5 shared publications - Panagiotis Tsoutsanis
School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
5 shared publications - Ebenezer Mayowa Adebayo
School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
4 shared publications - Tom-Robin Teschner
Centre for Computational Engineering Sciences, Cranfield University 2 , Cranfield MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
4 shared publications - Boyu Kuang
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
3 shared publications
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 15 May 2026
- Published by Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
- p. 476-484
AirCANS: A Deep Learning-based Airfoil Classification and Assessment Framework for Mesh Optimisation
- 15 May 2026
- Published by Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
- p. 476-484
Open AccessAirCANS: A Deep Learning-based Airfoil Classification and Assessment Framework for Mesh Optimisation
- Open Access
A Review of Diffuse Interface-Capturing Methods for Compressible Multiphase Flows
This paper discusses in detail the classification, historical development, and application of diffuse interface-capturing models (DIMs) for compressible multiphase flows. The work begins with an overview of the development of DIMs, highlighting important contributions and key moments from classical studies to contemporary advances. The theoretical foundations and computational methods of the diffuse interface method are outlined for the full models and the reduced models or sub-models. Some of the difficulties encountered when using DIMs for multiphase flow modelling are also discussed.
Open AccessA Review of Diffuse Interface-Capturing Methods for Compressible Multiphase Flows
This paper discusses in detail the classification, historical development, and application of diffuse interface-capturing models (DIMs) for compressible multiphase flows. The work begins with an overview of the development of DIMs, highlighting important contributions and key moments from classical studies to contemporary advances. The theoretical foundations and computational methods of the diffuse interface method are outlined for the full models and the reduced models or sub-models. Some of the difficulties encountered when using DIMs for multiphase flow modelling are also discussed.
- Open Access
- 5 February 2025
- Published by MDPI AG in Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Analyses
- Vol. 3 (1) , 4
A Data-Driven Approach for Automatic Aircraft Engine Borescope Inspection Defect Detection Using Computer Vision and Deep Learning
Regular aircraft engine inspections play a crucial role in aviation safety. However, traditional inspections are often performed manually, relying heavily on the judgment and experience of operators. This paper presents a data-driven deep learning framework capable of automatically detecting defects on reactor blades. Specifically, this study develops Deep Neural Network models to detect defects in borescope images using various datasets, based on Computer Vision and YOLOv8n object detection techniques. Firstly, reactor blade images are collected from public resources and then annotated and preprocessed into different groups based on Computer Vision techniques. In addition, synthetic images are generated using Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks and a manual data augmentation approach by randomly pasting defects onto reactor blade images. YOLOv8n-based deep learning models are subsequently fine-tuned and trained on these dataset groups. The results indicate that the model trained on wide-shot blade images performs better overall at detecting defects on blades compared to the model trained on zoomed-in images. The comparison of multiple models’ results reveals inherent uncertainties in model performance that while some models trained on data enhanced by Computer Vision techniques may appear more reliable in some types of defect detection, the relationship between these techniques and subsequent results cannot be generalized. The impact of epochs and optimizers on the model’s performance indicates that incorporating rotated images and selecting an appropriate optimizer are key factors for effective model training. Furthermore, models trained solely on artificially generated images from collages perform poorly at detecting defects in real images. A potential solution is to train the model on both synthetic and real images. Future work will focus on improving the framework’s performance and conducting a more comprehensive uncertainty analysis by utilizing larger and more diverse datasets, supported by enhanced computational power.
- 5 February 2025
- Published by MDPI AG in Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Analyses
- Vol. 3 (1) , 4
Open AccessA Data-Driven Approach for Automatic Aircraft Engine Borescope Inspection Defect Detection Using Computer Vision and Deep Learning
Regular aircraft engine inspections play a crucial role in aviation safety. However, traditional inspections are often performed manually, relying heavily on the judgment and experience of operators. This paper presents a data-driven deep learning framework capable of automatically detecting defects on reactor blades. Specifically, this study develops Deep Neural Network models to detect defects in borescope images using various datasets, based on Computer Vision and YOLOv8n object detection techniques. Firstly, reactor blade images are collected from public resources and then annotated and preprocessed into different groups based on Computer Vision techniques. In addition, synthetic images are generated using Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks and a manual data augmentation approach by randomly pasting defects onto reactor blade images. YOLOv8n-based deep learning models are subsequently fine-tuned and trained on these dataset groups. The results indicate that the model trained on wide-shot blade images performs better overall at detecting defects on blades compared to the model trained on zoomed-in images. The comparison of multiple models’ results reveals inherent uncertainties in model performance that while some models trained on data enhanced by Computer Vision techniques may appear more reliable in some types of defect detection, the relationship between these techniques and subsequent results cannot be generalized. The impact of epochs and optimizers on the model’s performance indicates that incorporating rotated images and selecting an appropriate optimizer are key factors for effective model training. Furthermore, models trained solely on artificially generated images from collages perform poorly at detecting defects in real images. A potential solution is to train the model on both synthetic and real images. Future work will focus on improving the framework’s performance and conducting a more comprehensive uncertainty analysis by utilizing larger and more diverse datasets, supported by enhanced computational power.
- Open Access
- 28 January 2025
- Published by MDPI AG in Preprints.org
A review of Diffuse Interface-capturing Methods for Compressible Multiphase Flows
This paper discusses in detail the classification, historical development and application of diffuse interface capturing models (DIMs) for compressible multiphase flows. The work begins with an overview of the development of DIMs, highlighting important contributions and key moments from classical studies to contemporary advances. The theoretical foundations and computational methods of the diffuse interface method are outlined for the full models and the reduced models or sub-models. Some of the difficulties encountered when using DIMs for multiphase flow modelling are also discussed.
- 28 January 2025
- Published by MDPI AG in Preprints.org
Open AccessA review of Diffuse Interface-capturing Methods for Compressible Multiphase Flows
This paper discusses in detail the classification, historical development and application of diffuse interface capturing models (DIMs) for compressible multiphase flows. The work begins with an overview of the development of DIMs, highlighting important contributions and key moments from classical studies to contemporary advances. The theoretical foundations and computational methods of the diffuse interface method are outlined for the full models and the reduced models or sub-models. Some of the difficulties encountered when using DIMs for multiphase flow modelling are also discussed.
- Open Access
- 5 November 2024
- Published by Springer Nature in The Visual Computer
- Vol. 41 (7) , 4703-4722
Advanced semantic segmentation of aircraft main components based on transfer learning and data-driven approach
The implementation of Smart Airport and Airport 4.0 visions relies on the integration of automation, artificial intelligence, data science, and aviation technology to enhance passenger experiences and operational efficiency. One essential factor in the integration is the semantic segmentation of the aircraft main components (AMC) perception, which is essential to maintenance, repair, and operations in aircraft and airport operations. However, AMC segmentation has challenges from low data availability, high-quality annotation scarcity, and categorical imbalance, which are common in practical applications, including aviation. This study proposes a novel AMC segmentation solution, employing a transfer learning framework based on a sophisticated DeepLabV3 architecture optimized with a custom-designed Focal Dice Loss function. The proposed solution remarkably suppresses the categorical imbalance challenge and increases the dataset variability with manually annotated images and dynamic augmentation strategies to train a robust AMC segmentation model. The model achieved a notable intersection over union of 84.002% and an accuracy of 91.466%, significantly advancing the AMC segmentation performance. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed AMC segmentation solution in aircraft and airport operation scenarios. This study provides a pioneering solution to the AMC semantic perception problem and contributes a valuable dataset to the community, which is fundamental to future research on aircraft and airport semantic perception. Graphical
- 5 November 2024
- Published by Springer Nature in The Visual Computer
- Vol. 41 (7) , 4703-4722
Open AccessAdvanced semantic segmentation of aircraft main components based on transfer learning and data-driven approach
The implementation of Smart Airport and Airport 4.0 visions relies on the integration of automation, artificial intelligence, data science, and aviation technology to enhance passenger experiences and operational efficiency. One essential factor in the integration is the semantic segmentation of the aircraft main components (AMC) perception, which is essential to maintenance, repair, and operations in aircraft and airport operations. However, AMC segmentation has challenges from low data availability, high-quality annotation scarcity, and categorical imbalance, which are common in practical applications, including aviation. This study proposes a novel AMC segmentation solution, employing a transfer learning framework based on a sophisticated DeepLabV3 architecture optimized with a custom-designed Focal Dice Loss function. The proposed solution remarkably suppresses the categorical imbalance challenge and increases the dataset variability with manually annotated images and dynamic augmentation strategies to train a robust AMC segmentation model. The model achieved a notable intersection over union of 84.002% and an accuracy of 91.466%, significantly advancing the AMC segmentation performance. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed AMC segmentation solution in aircraft and airport operation scenarios. This study provides a pioneering solution to the AMC semantic perception problem and contributes a valuable dataset to the community, which is fundamental to future research on aircraft and airport semantic perception. Graphical
- Open Access
- 4 November 2024
- Published by Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
- p. 361-372
Generating Facial Expression Sequences of Complex Emotions with Generative Adversarial Networks
There is a rising interest in animating realistic virtual agents for multiple purposes in different domains. Such a task requires systems capable of generating complex mental states on par with human emotional complexity. Considering the high representational capacity of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), it is only natural to consider them in such applications. In this work, we propose a conditional GAN model for generating sequences of facial expressions of categorical complex emotions. Trained on a scarce and highly imbalanced dataset, the proposed model is able to generate realistic variable-length sequences in a single inference step. These expressions of emotional states, of which there are 24 in total, follow the Facial Actions Coding System (FACS) formatting. In the absence of meaningful objective evaluation methods, we propose a deep-learning-based metric to assess the realism of generated Action Unit (AU) sequences: the Action Unit Fréchet Inception Distance (AUFID). Objective and subjective results validate the realism of our generated samples.
- 4 November 2024
- Published by Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
- p. 361-372
Open AccessGenerating Facial Expression Sequences of Complex Emotions with Generative Adversarial Networks
There is a rising interest in animating realistic virtual agents for multiple purposes in different domains. Such a task requires systems capable of generating complex mental states on par with human emotional complexity. Considering the high representational capacity of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), it is only natural to consider them in such applications. In this work, we propose a conditional GAN model for generating sequences of facial expressions of categorical complex emotions. Trained on a scarce and highly imbalanced dataset, the proposed model is able to generate realistic variable-length sequences in a single inference step. These expressions of emotional states, of which there are 24 in total, follow the Facial Actions Coding System (FACS) formatting. In the absence of meaningful objective evaluation methods, we propose a deep-learning-based metric to assess the realism of generated Action Unit (AU) sequences: the Action Unit Fréchet Inception Distance (AUFID). Objective and subjective results validate the realism of our generated samples.
- Open Access
- 17 October 2024
- Published by MDPI AG in Applied Sciences
- Vol. 14 (20) , 9472
Evaluating Airport Service Quality Based on the Statistical and Predictive Analysis of Skytrax Passenger Reviews
This study leverages approximately 7500 reviews from Skytrax to explore the determinants of airport service quality and their influence on passenger recommendations. The dataset includes various features such as terminal cleanliness, terminal seating, terminal signs, food and beverages, airport shopping, WiFi connectivity, and airport staff. The research employs a comprehensive methodology encompassing statistical data analysis, predictive modelling, and interaction effects analysis. The descriptive analysis of time-series data highlighted trends and fluctuations in service quality and recommendations, providing insights into temporal dynamics. Multiple machine learning models, including logistic regression, Random Forest, SVM, KNN, Gradient Boosting, and Neural Networks, were developed in this study and cross-validated for airport recommendation based on Skytrax’s online reviews. Among others, Gradient Boosting emerged as the most accurate model with an 88.15% mean accuracy. Interaction effects revealed significant combined influences, such as terminal cleanliness and terminal seating, on passenger recommendations. This multifaceted approach offers robust insights into factors influencing airport recommendations and guides improvements in airport management to enhance passenger satisfaction. Future work will focus on a general-purpose machine learning framework and its toolbox development for airport service quality analysis based on online reviews from various sources.
- 17 October 2024
- Published by MDPI AG in Applied Sciences
- Vol. 14 (20) , 9472
Open AccessEvaluating Airport Service Quality Based on the Statistical and Predictive Analysis of Skytrax Passenger Reviews
This study leverages approximately 7500 reviews from Skytrax to explore the determinants of airport service quality and their influence on passenger recommendations. The dataset includes various features such as terminal cleanliness, terminal seating, terminal signs, food and beverages, airport shopping, WiFi connectivity, and airport staff. The research employs a comprehensive methodology encompassing statistical data analysis, predictive modelling, and interaction effects analysis. The descriptive analysis of time-series data highlighted trends and fluctuations in service quality and recommendations, providing insights into temporal dynamics. Multiple machine learning models, including logistic regression, Random Forest, SVM, KNN, Gradient Boosting, and Neural Networks, were developed in this study and cross-validated for airport recommendation based on Skytrax’s online reviews. Among others, Gradient Boosting emerged as the most accurate model with an 88.15% mean accuracy. Interaction effects revealed significant combined influences, such as terminal cleanliness and terminal seating, on passenger recommendations. This multifaceted approach offers robust insights into factors influencing airport recommendations and guides improvements in airport management to enhance passenger satisfaction. Future work will focus on a general-purpose machine learning framework and its toolbox development for airport service quality analysis based on online reviews from various sources.
- Open Access
- 6 March 2024
- Published by MDPI AG in Mathematics
- Vol. 12 (5) , 781
Multiclass Sentiment Prediction of Airport Service Online Reviews Using Aspect-Based Sentimental Analysis and Machine Learning
Airport service quality ratings found on social media such as Airline Quality and Google Maps offer invaluable insights for airport management to improve their quality of services. However, there is currently a lack of research analysing these reviews by airport services using sentimental analysis approaches. This research applies multiclass models based on Aspect-Based Sentimental Analysis to conduct a comprehensive analysis of travellers’ reviews, in which the major airport services are tagged by positive, negative, and non-existent sentiments. Seven airport services commonly utilised in previous studies are also introduced. Subsequently, various Deep Learning architectures and Machine Learning classification algorithms are developed, tested, and compared using data collected from Twitter, Google Maps, and Airline Quality, encompassing travellers’ feedback on airport service quality. The results show that the traditional Machine Learning algorithms such as the Random Forest algorithm outperform Deep Learning models in the multiclass prediction of airport service quality using travellers’ feedback. The findings of this study offer concrete justifications for utilising multiclass Machine Learning models to understand the travellers’ sentiments and therefore identify airport services required for improvement.
- 6 March 2024
- Published by MDPI AG in Mathematics
- Vol. 12 (5) , 781
Open AccessMulticlass Sentiment Prediction of Airport Service Online Reviews Using Aspect-Based Sentimental Analysis and Machine Learning
Airport service quality ratings found on social media such as Airline Quality and Google Maps offer invaluable insights for airport management to improve their quality of services. However, there is currently a lack of research analysing these reviews by airport services using sentimental analysis approaches. This research applies multiclass models based on Aspect-Based Sentimental Analysis to conduct a comprehensive analysis of travellers’ reviews, in which the major airport services are tagged by positive, negative, and non-existent sentiments. Seven airport services commonly utilised in previous studies are also introduced. Subsequently, various Deep Learning architectures and Machine Learning classification algorithms are developed, tested, and compared using data collected from Twitter, Google Maps, and Airline Quality, encompassing travellers’ feedback on airport service quality. The results show that the traditional Machine Learning algorithms such as the Random Forest algorithm outperform Deep Learning models in the multiclass prediction of airport service quality using travellers’ feedback. The findings of this study offer concrete justifications for utilising multiclass Machine Learning models to understand the travellers’ sentiments and therefore identify airport services required for improvement.
- Open Access
Application of Central-Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory Finite-Volume Interface-Capturing Schemes for Modeling Cavitation Induced by an Underwater Explosion
Cavitation resulting from underwater explosions in compressible multiphase or multicomponent flows presents significant challenges due to the dynamic nature of shock–cavitation–structure interactions, as well as the complex and discontinuous nature of the involved interfaces. Achieving accurate resolution of interfaces between different phases or components, in the presence of shocks, cavitating regions, and structural interactions, is crucial for modeling such problems. Furthermore, pressure convergence in simulations involving shock–cavitation–structure interactions requires accurate algorithms. In this research paper, we employ the diffuse interface method, also known as the interface-capturing scheme, to investigate cavitation in various underwater explosion test cases near different surfaces: a free surface and a rigid surface. The simulations are conducted using the unstructured compressible Navier–Stokes (UCNS3D) finite-volume framework employing central-weighted essentially non-oscillatory (CWENO) reconstruction schemes, utilizing the five-equation diffuse interface family of methods. Quantitative comparisons are made between the performance of both models. Additionally, we examine the effects of cavitation as a secondary loading source on structures, and evaluate the ability of the CWENO schemes to accurately capture and resolve material interfaces between fluids with minimal numerical dissipation or smearing. The results are compared with existing high-order methods and experimental data, where possible, to demonstrate the robustness of the CWENO schemes in simulating cavitation bubble dynamics, as well as their limitations within the current implementation of interface capturing.
Open AccessApplication of Central-Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory Finite-Volume Interface-Capturing Schemes for Modeling Cavitation Induced by an Underwater Explosion
Cavitation resulting from underwater explosions in compressible multiphase or multicomponent flows presents significant challenges due to the dynamic nature of shock–cavitation–structure interactions, as well as the complex and discontinuous nature of the involved interfaces. Achieving accurate resolution of interfaces between different phases or components, in the presence of shocks, cavitating regions, and structural interactions, is crucial for modeling such problems. Furthermore, pressure convergence in simulations involving shock–cavitation–structure interactions requires accurate algorithms. In this research paper, we employ the diffuse interface method, also known as the interface-capturing scheme, to investigate cavitation in various underwater explosion test cases near different surfaces: a free surface and a rigid surface. The simulations are conducted using the unstructured compressible Navier–Stokes (UCNS3D) finite-volume framework employing central-weighted essentially non-oscillatory (CWENO) reconstruction schemes, utilizing the five-equation diffuse interface family of methods. Quantitative comparisons are made between the performance of both models. Additionally, we examine the effects of cavitation as a secondary loading source on structures, and evaluate the ability of the CWENO schemes to accurately capture and resolve material interfaces between fluids with minimal numerical dissipation or smearing. The results are compared with existing high-order methods and experimental data, where possible, to demonstrate the robustness of the CWENO schemes in simulating cavitation bubble dynamics, as well as their limitations within the current implementation of interface capturing.
- Open Access
- 21 December 2023
- Published by MDPI AG in Preprints.org
Application of CWENO Finite-Volume Interface Capturing Schemes for Modeling Cavitation Induced by an Underwater Explosion
Cavitation resulting from underwater explosions in compressible multiphase or multicomp-onent flows presents significant challenges due to the dynamic nature of shock-cavitation-structure interactions, as well as the complex and discontinuous nature of the involved interfaces. Achieving accurate resolution of interfaces between different phases or components, in the presence of shocks, cavitating regions, and structural interactions, is crucial for modeling such problems. Furthermore, pressure convergence in simulations involving shock-cavitation-structure interactions requires accurate algorithms. In this research paper, we employ the diffuse interface method, also known as the interface capturing scheme, to investigate cavitation in various underwater explosion test cases near different surfaces; free surface and a rigid surface. The simulations are conducted using the Unstructured Compressible Navier-Stokes (UCNS3D) finite volume framework employing central-weighted essentially non-oscillatory (CWENO) reconstruction schemes, utilising the five-equation diffuse interface family of methods. Quantitative comparisons are made between the performance of both models. Additionally, we examine the effects of cavitation as a secondary loading source on structures, and evaluate the ability of the CWENO schemes to accurately capture and resolve material interfaces between fluids with minimal numerical dissipation or smearing. The results are compared with existing high-order methods and experimental data, where possible, to demonstrate the robustness of the CWENO schemes in simulating cavitation bubble dynamics, as well as their limitations within the current implementation of interface capturing.
- 21 December 2023
- Published by MDPI AG in Preprints.org
Open AccessApplication of CWENO Finite-Volume Interface Capturing Schemes for Modeling Cavitation Induced by an Underwater Explosion
Cavitation resulting from underwater explosions in compressible multiphase or multicomp-onent flows presents significant challenges due to the dynamic nature of shock-cavitation-structure interactions, as well as the complex and discontinuous nature of the involved interfaces. Achieving accurate resolution of interfaces between different phases or components, in the presence of shocks, cavitating regions, and structural interactions, is crucial for modeling such problems. Furthermore, pressure convergence in simulations involving shock-cavitation-structure interactions requires accurate algorithms. In this research paper, we employ the diffuse interface method, also known as the interface capturing scheme, to investigate cavitation in various underwater explosion test cases near different surfaces; free surface and a rigid surface. The simulations are conducted using the Unstructured Compressible Navier-Stokes (UCNS3D) finite volume framework employing central-weighted essentially non-oscillatory (CWENO) reconstruction schemes, utilising the five-equation diffuse interface family of methods. Quantitative comparisons are made between the performance of both models. Additionally, we examine the effects of cavitation as a secondary loading source on structures, and evaluate the ability of the CWENO schemes to accurately capture and resolve material interfaces between fluids with minimal numerical dissipation or smearing. The results are compared with existing high-order methods and experimental data, where possible, to demonstrate the robustness of the CWENO schemes in simulating cavitation bubble dynamics, as well as their limitations within the current implementation of interface capturing.