PhD Studentship: Aero-Engine Experimental Aerodynamics

Sponsored by Rolls-Royce 

Funding for: UK

Funding amount: Sponsored by EPSRC, Rolls-Royce and Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £19,237 (tax free) per annum plus fees for up to four years.

Closes: 16/10/2024

Supervisors: Professor David MacManus and Dr Pavlos Zachos 

This is a full funded PhD (fees and bursary) in propulsion system aerodynamics in collaboration with Rolls-Royce and EPSRC. Fundamental understanding of aerodynamic flows is at the heart of aero-engine design and a key research area is the ability to measure complex flow fields. Within that context, the overall aim of this PhD is to further develop non-intrusive laser-based flow measurement systems with new event-based cameras for stereo PIV measurements. This will be used to characterise the dynamic flow distortion within confined regions such as convoluted aero-engine intakes. This is expected to yield significant benefits in advanced aerodynamic measurements where there is a keen interest in obtaining measurements close to surfaces. 

For future aircraft concepts there is an expectation that new architectures feature closer integration of the propulsion system with the airframe. A key challenge for such configurations will be the more complex aerodynamic characteristics associated with the propulsion system integration. Within that context there is an on-going interest is developing new flow measurement capabilities for new aero-engine configurations. 

The overall aim of this PhD project is to determine the feasibility and potential benefits of using event based cameras for stereo PIV measurements and to characterise the dynamic flow distortion for internal domains such as convoluted intakes. The experiments will initially focus on relatively simple configurations to explore the measurement system capabilities and then develop to more complex configurations where the focus will be on flow distortion.

The main impact of the work will be through Rolls-Royce where it will enable improvements to the measurement capability for intake flow distortion. During the course of the studies, it is also expected that the student will undertake a placement with Rolls-Royce.

The research is funded through an EPSRC industrial CASE award in collaboration with Rolls-Royce. The work will be conducted through the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre based at Cranfield which has a strong collaborative history with Rolls-Royce in the area of aero-engine aerodynamics. This programme provides the PhD candidate with an outstanding opportunity to work closely with Rolls-Royce engineers across a range of disciplines for the development of future aerospace technologies and capabilities. During the PhD programme there will be regular reviews and presentation opportunities with Rolls-Royce as well as the chance to attend specialist MSc modules if needed.

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.

About the sponsor

Sponsored by EPSRC, Rolls-Royce and Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £19,237 (tax free) per annum plus fees for up to four years.

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