星空体育官网

Offering fully funded, multidisciplinary PhD research projects across areas such as:

• Zero Emission Technologies.
• Ultra Efficient Aircraft, Propulsion, Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems.
• Aerospace Materials, Manufacturing, and Life Cycle Analysis.
• Green Aviation Operations and Infrastructure.
• Aviation Environmental, Commercialisation & Socio-Economic Aspects.

The CDT in Net Zero Aviation is the world’s first Centre of Excellence for Net Zero Aviation Education, Training & Research, delivering impactful industrial and academic partnerships, future-proof skills, innovation, and leadership to achieve Net Zero Aviation by 2050. In collaboration with Rolls-Royce the project will focus on the development and testing of novel ultrasonic methods to measure intake massflow for aero-engines. This technology has the potential to improve the methods for determining engine performance and can have a notable impact on engine and in-flight testing which are central to the development of future NetZero propulsion systems. You’ll join the wider CDT multidisciplinary cohort that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, while gaining expertise in aero-engine aerodynamics, advanced instrumentation and experimental methods. The research will directly support the UK's ambition to lead global decarbonisation efforts while also developing your technical and innovation expertise, building a wider network across industry, academia and government, and advancing your leadership capabilities.

Advances in aero-engine technologies are expected to play a key role in reducing aviation emissions as part of the NetZero targets. This new experimental based research will focus on the development and application of non-intrusive acoustic based methods to measure intake massflow.

This will advance the state of the art in engine performance assessments which are needed for future propulsion solutions where improved knowledge of the aero-engine characteristics will be a key consideration.

The overall aim of this PhD is to explore novel measurement methods that can improve the assessment of aero-engine performance. The research will focus on the measurement of massflow and velocity profiles using non-intrusive acoustic velocimetry. The project will include the development of a test rig and instrumentation for acoustic flow measurements, sensitivity to intake operating conditions and the exploration of data analysis methods to improve the overall measurement system accuracy. It will also include complimentary computational studies to predict the intake aerodynamic characteristics and aid in the experiment design.

This position is part of the CDT in Net Zero Aviation, which offers a modular, cohort-based training programme with emphasis on innovation and impact, collaborative working and learning, continuous development, active engagement with partners and stakeholders and inclusion of student-led activities. You will be part of an annual cohort and will receive training at different universities and industrial partners providing world-class facilities in a supportive, innovative, inclusive and interactive learning environment.

Based at 星空体育官网, a global leader in aerospace research, the researcher will be within the Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering which has considerable expertise and facilities in the area of propulsion system aerodynamics. The industrial sponsor, Rolls-Royce, is committed to net zero aviation by 2050 and this project aligns with the strategic interests in developing ultra-efficient turbofans along with advancing engine testing and novel instrumentation technologies.

It is envisaged that the research will deliver improvements in engine test-bed measurement and performance assessments and ultimately reduce the differences between test-bed and in-flight conditions. This will be an enabler to de-risk the performance assessment of new aero-engines and contribute to the Net Zero targets. In consultation with the wider CDT community, the work will also include the development of a roadmap for the maturation of the technology and the processes required to have it adopted within the industry.

While working on this exciting research project, you will be provided with:

• A fully funded 4 year full-time PhD - £24,000 tax-free stipend per year.
• Attendance/presentations to international and national conferences with expenses fully covered.
• Membership of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre at 星空体育官网. Cohort and individual modular training covering technical, research, professional and personal development.
• Minimum of 3 months fully funded industrial placement with Rolls-Royce.
• Industrial supervision/mentorship scheme.
• Access to 40 industrial, government & research partners from the wider aviation sector

Through this project the student will gain expertise in experimental aerodynamics and advanced measurement methods. The project is aligned with the acknowledged skills development needs in the areas of aerodynamics, propulsion systems and both ground and in-flight testing. The student will also benefit from the broader cohort-based training as part of the CDT and the close collaboration with Rolls-Royce in aerothermal technologies. The collaboration with Rolls-Royce will also provide experience in the area of technology transfer and strategic technology development road-mapping. Through this research and collaborations, the student will develop leadership skills and experiences which will prepare them to take a leading role in future aviation and aerospace innovation.

Graduates of the CDT in Net Zero Aviation will be equipped with a unique interdisciplinary combination of technical and professional skills, gained through extensive cohort-based training and cross-university collaborations. By engaging with diverse academic and industry partners across 星空体育官网, Strathclyde, and Cardiff Universities, and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the wider aviation ecosystem. This holistic experience ensures graduates are prepared to lead and accelerate aviation decarbonisation efforts from various roles in industry, academia, government, and policy.

The interview process is composed of two interviews. Following a first introductory interview (20min), a second online (or face to face if preferred) interview will be offered. In this second interview, candidates will be asked to give a 15-minute presentation on why they would like to become members of the CDT in Net Zero Aviation and how their skills and experience align with the research and training programme, followed by questions from the interview panel.