Aero-Engine Experimental Aerodynamics PhD

Location: Cranfield University

Funding for: UK Students

Funding amount: Sponsored by EPSRC, Rolls-Royce and Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £18,622 (tax free) plus fees per annum for four years.

Supervisors: Professor David MacManus

This fully funded PhD in propulsion system aerodynamics is offered in collaboration with Rolls-Royce and EPSRC. Understanding aerodynamic flows is crucial for aero-engine design, and a significant research area involves the ability to measure complex flow fields. This PhD aims to advance non-intrusive laser-based flow measurement systems using new event-based cameras for stereo PIV measurements. The goal is to characterise dynamic flow distortion within confined regions such as convoluted aero-engine intakes, significantly enhancing aerodynamic measurement quality, particularly near surfaces.

Future aircraft concepts are expected to feature closer integration of the propulsion system with the airframe, posing challenges due to the complex aerodynamic characteristics of such configurations. There is a growing interest in developing new flow measurement capabilities for these new aero-engine configurations. Previous research at Cranfield has demonstrated the effectiveness of stereo PIV methods for various aero-engine topics, such as intake ground vortex, distortion ingestion, and unsteady flow characterisation in complex intake configurations.

This research has shown the considerable advantages of PIV, providing rich measurements unattainable with conventional methods. For instance, previous studies quantified the unsteady swirl characteristics of a complex intake and performed statistical analysis of distortion metrics in both temporal and frequency domains. A new taxonomy of unsteady distortion events was also developed, classifying distortions based on their extent, duration, magnitude, and likelihood of occurrence. This approach helps identify peak instantaneous events and assesses their potential impact on fan operation, offering guidance on the significance of each distortion class to the fan system.

The main objective of this PhD project is to assess the feasibility and benefits of using event-based cameras for stereo PIV measurements and to characterise dynamic flow distortion in internal domains such as convoluted intakes. Initial experiments will focus on relatively simple configurations to explore the measurement system's capabilities, progressing to more complex configurations with a focus on flow distortion.

The work, conducted through the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre at Cranfield, will have a significant impact by improving measurement capabilities for intake flow distortion at Rolls-Royce. The student is also expected to undertake a placement with Rolls-Royce during the studies.

Funded through an EPSRC industrial CASE award in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, this research provides the PhD candidate with an exceptional opportunity to work closely with Rolls-Royce engineers across various disciplines to develop future aerospace technologies and capabilities. The PhD programme includes regular reviews, presentation opportunities with Rolls-Royce, and the option to attend specialist MSc modules if required.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit students with an aerospace or mechanical engineering background. Experience of experimental fluid dynamics and particle image velocity would be an advantage. As part of this role, you may be required to obtain UK Security Clearance.

Advert information