PhD Studentship: Next-Gen Wind Turbine Blades: Whisper-Quiet Innovations with Aerodynamic Efficiency

Applications are invited for one full-time PhD Studentship within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering funded by Vestas Technology (UK) Ltd. The PhD studentship is for a period of three and a half (3.5) years effective 1 April 2025. The successful applicant will receive an annual stipend (bursary) starting from £21,795 plus payment of Home/EU full-time tuition fees. International students will receive the same stipend but are responsible for covering the difference between Home/EU and international tuition fees.

The project

This PhD research aims to elevate wind turbine blade technology by advancing owl-wing and other bio-inspired designs for noise reduction and aerodynamic efficiency. Key objectives include:

• Developing innovative serration and permeable surface designs to further reduce trailing edge noise (Generation II).
• Conducting detailed fluid dynamics, aerodynamic, and aeroacoustics investigations to understand the mechanisms behind noise reduction.
• Collaborating with industry on the design of next-generation wind turbine blades.
• Disseminating findings through conferences, workshops, and peer-reviewed publications.

You will primarily conduct research at Brunel University of London, with occasional travel to Vestas Wind Systems in Southampton for project meeting (about once a year).

This project is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in a fast track career in Wind Turbine Industry that is allied to an environmentally sustainable energy future, or academic career in the aerodynamics, fluid mechanics and aeroacoustics fields. We are looking to recruit a full time PhD student to conduct a research project titled: “Next-Gen Wind Turbine Blades: Whisper-Quiet Innovations with Aerodynamic Efficiency”. This project is fully funded by the Vestas Wind Systems – one of the largest wind turbine manufacturers in the world. Joining this project means contributing to pioneering, environmentally focused research within an industrial context while advancing your professional and personal development.

Benefits include:

• Access to world-class facilities, including the aeroacoustics wind tunnel at Brunel University of London.
• Collaboration opportunities with experts at Vestas Wind Systems in Southampton and Denmark.
• Membership in the newly established Aerospace Research Centre at Brunel University of London.
• Opportunity to participate in large-scale testing in Denmark to validate industrial applications of your research.

Skills and experience required:

• A strong interest in experimental aerodynamics/aeroacoustics and environmentally sustainable technology is highly valued.
• Skills in data analysis and flow physics interpretation are essential.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with excellent communication skills.
• An inquisitive approach to research along with scientific rigor, strong intellect and disciplined work habits.
• Enthusiasm and self-motivation.

Informal enquires may be addressed to Professor Tze Pei Chong by email to t.p.chong@brunel.ac.uk

Eligibility

Applicants will have or be expected to receive a minimum 2:1 or 1^st class degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics or a related engineering discipline. A Masters qualification is an advantage but not essential.

How to apply

Please e-mail your application comprising of all the documents listed below in ONE PDF file to cedps-pgr-office@brunel.ac.uk by 12pm on 31 January 2025:

• Your up-to-date CV;
• A research statement of 500-1,000 words setting out your project ideas;
• A one A4 page personal statement setting out why you are a suitable candidate (i.e.: your skills and experience);
• A copy of your degree certificate(s) and full transcript (s);
• Names and contact details for two academic referees;
• Evidence of English language capability to IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all sections), if applicable.

Interviews will take place during February 2025.

Please, remember to put the project title in the subject of your email. 

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