PhD Studentship: Advanced Air Mobility - Evaluating the Passenger Experience

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year PhD studentship to evaluate the passenger experience for Advanced Air Mobility aircraft. This research will be carried out within the flight safety research group led by Dr Michael Bromfield whose research is focused on safe, sustainable and socially responsible future aviation. This PhD project is expected to start in October 2024/January 2025. The successful applicant will work within a vibrant and multidisciplinary aerospace team and human factors team within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Birmingham. During the programme, there will be opportunities to engage with UK and international academic and industry collaborative partners on real world challenges relate to this project theme.

Background

Advanced Air Mobility is set to transform future air travel to meet the demands for more sustainable aviation and increased mobility of passengers. Globally, there are currently nearly a thousand aircraft designed to enable Advanced Air Mobility flight operations and associated missions. This diversity of design across the fleet will result in differences in aircraft performance, flying qualities and the passenger experience. It is essential that the needs of passengers are considered in the design and operation of these new aircraft to facilitate a positive experience.

The Project

The aim of this research is to explore the passenger experience for a range of different vehicle design concepts using advanced modelling and simulation tools in combination with ergonomics and human factor principles. Extensive use will be made of the schools ‘state of the art’ advanced flight simulation laboratory and ‘human in the loop’ evaluations. This project will inform the design, operation and regulation of future sustainable aircraft design for Advanced Air Mobility.

The successful candidate will have a 1st class/2:1 undergraduate or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Human Factors, Aviation Safety, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline. They will be highly motivated, able to work independently but collaborate with others using effective written/oral communication skills. Knowledge of aircraft design, flight dynamics and/or human factors is ESSENTIAL. Experience in Matlab, SPSS and use of biometrics an advantage.

Informal enquiries to Dr Michael Bromfield (m.a.bromfield@bham.ac.uk) are encouraged in the first instance from suitable applicants that meet all of the above criteria. Applications from mature candidates with relevant qualifications (at Masters level) and industry experience are welcome. Please confirm your current position, highest level of academic qualification/subject area, any relevant industry experience and your research interests and motivation. Include a short CV (maximum 2 pages) with your enquiry.

Following informal enquiries, formal applications can be made at https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS024.htm). Before applying, please provide at m.a.bromfield@bham.ac.uk a cover letter summarising your research interests and suitability for the position, the contacts of two referees and a CV.

References:

Doo et al (2021) “NASA Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Aircraft Technology for Public Services – A White Paper: NASA Transformative Vertical Flight Working Group 4 (TVF4)” 2021 NASA.

Ugwueze et al (2023), “An Efficient and Robust Sizing Method for eVTOL Aircraft Configurations in Conceptual Design” Aerospace Journal.

Ugwueze et al (2023) “Trends in eVTOL Aircraft Development: The Concepts, Enablers and Challenges”, AIAA SciTech.

Ugwueze et al (2022) “Investigation of a mission-based sizing method for electric VTOL aircraft preliminary design”, AIAA SciTech.

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