PhD Studentship in Contact Modelling and Model Reduction in Complex Aero-engine Assemblies

Applications are invited for a research studentship in Nonlinear Structural Dynamics, leading to the award of a PhD degree. The post is supported by a bursary and fees (at the UK student rate) provided by the EPSRC (in the form of a CASE conversion). Candidates should fulfil the eligibility criteria for this award and be considered ‘home students’.

The constant drive to improve aero-engine performance leads to lighter, more flexible structures where significant vibrations are increasingly present. Friction between components is a vital source of damping to preserve aero-engine integrity. Therefore, accurately predicting the amount of frictional damping at interfaces between components is essential during design. However, this task is challenging considering the complex interface geometry, complex dynamics, and uncertainty due to manufacturing tolerances.

In this project, you will further develop FORSE, a frequency-domain solver for nonlinear vibration analysis developed at Imperial that Rolls-Royce plc currently uses to estimate interface friction damping. In particular, you will improve available contact laws, accelerate contact evaluation using (model-based and data-driven) model reduction and hardware acceleration (GPU offload) techniques, and develop approaches to deal with uncertainties associated with interface geometry. You will collaborate with experimentalists in the group to validate your model predictions against experimental results.

You will work in the Nonlinear Dynamics and Control Research Group led by Dr Ludovic Renson and in collaboration with other departments at Imperial. You will be part of the Rolls-Royce Vibration University Technology Centre and have the opportunity to interact directly with engineers at Rolls-Royce plc. You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at Imperial College London. You will have a 1st class honours degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering or a related subject, an enquiring and rigorous approach to research, and a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. A general interest in dynamics is essential. Good teamwork, observational and communication skills are essential.

To find out more about research at Imperial College London in this area, go to:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/research/

For information on how to apply, please click the 'Apply' button, above.

For further details on the post contact Dr Ludovic Renson (l.renson@imperial.ac.uk).

Interested applicants should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae to Dr Renson.

Suitable candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London for their qualifications to be addressed by the College Registry.

Closing date: until post filled

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