This studentship will afford the successful student a chance to gain deep understanding of unsteady aerodynamics and aeroelastic instabilities, as they work under with the academic supervisors and the industrial partner.
- Qualification Type: PhD
- Hours: Full Time
- Title of project: SAFER: StAll FluttER on conventional and innovative wing structures
- Placed On: 1st February 2022
- Closes: 15th May 2022, or until places have been filled.
Overview
Applications are invited for a PhD studentship in the Department of Engineering. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on the aeroelastic instabilities, using state of the art Wind Tunnel testing and high-fidelity computational tools.
Modern rotor blades and high aspect ratio wings are very flexible and susceptible to stall flutter. This aeroelastic instability can cause catastrophic failures and is a primary design driver.
Stall flutter is linked to Stall Cells, which are 3D structures of separated flow. However, their relationship to stall flutter remains elusive.
Simultaneously, conventional aero-structure design and manufacturing remains expensive, polluting and limited regarding the controllability it can offer. IDPortal Hydrodynamics have patented a new structure design, which combines shape-morphing, load bearing and control capabilities.
Importantly, it is produced through low-energy additive manufacturing using recycled plastic.
The aim of this project is two-fold: firstly, to provide a step change in our understanding of stall cells and stall flutter; secondly, to benchmark a ground-breaking shape morphing wing design against traditional approaches and facilitate its wider use.
To this end, an ambitious experimental campaign coupled with a high-fidelity fluid-structure interaction computational study will be performed.
The proposed research will afford the successful student a chance to gain deep understanding of unsteady aerodynamics and aeroelastic instabilities, as they work under with the academic supervisors and the industrial partner.
The acquired skills (Wind Tunnel testing and high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics) are expected to be sought after highly by the industry and can also provide a robust foundation for an academic career.
The results of a successful doctoral thesis are expected to be of interest to the aeronautical, wind and marine industry at large. The student will be encouraged to publish results of their research at leading international conferences and in top-tier international journals.
Eligibility and requirements
The candidate should have an upper second-class BSc/BEng/MEng (or equivalent, or higher) degree in aeronautics/aerospace or mechanical engineering. They should demonstrate aptitude for original research.
The candidate should possess a good understanding of Wing Aerodynamics, Aeroelasticity and Wind Tunnel Testing.
The research also includes high-fidelity simulations of the aeroelastic phenomena, so a background in computational fluid dynamics would be helpful.
A candidate who demonstrates exceptional aptitude in one or more of these areas (as evidenced, for instance, through strong academic credentials or research papers in reputable, peer-reviewed journals/conferences) may be accorded preference.
The successful candidate should be able to code comfortably in MATLAB and candidates with Wind Tunnel testing experience will be preferred.
A doctoral candidate is expected to meet the following pre-requisites for their PhD:
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge of their research area
- Achieve and demonstrate significant depth in at least a few chosen sub-areas relevant to their primary research area
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research, including a critical assessment of their own and others’ research
Having published high-quality papers in reputable peer-reviewed conferences and journals will be an advantage for the candidate.
Funding
The studentship is for 3 years and will provide full coverage of tuition fees (Home and Overseas) and an annual tax-free stipend of £12,000.
Each student would also have the opportunity to earn around £2.2K pa on an average (max. is around £4.3K pa) through a teaching assistantship. We shall prioritise these scholarship holders while allocating the teaching assistantships.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying, you are encouraged to email initial informal enquiries to Dr Marinos Manolesos.
Visit our Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics research degrees web page for further information on making a formal application.
When submitting your application, enter the title “SAFER: StAll FluttER on conventional and innovative wing structures” and you will automatically be considered for this studentship.
You do not need to submit a proposal as part of your application as the project has already been outlined.
The online application can be found in the ‘How to apply section’ in the web link above and should include the following supporting documents:
- Copies of Degree Certificates and Transcripts in official English translation - original will be requested before an offer is made.
- Official work e-mail addresses (not private ones) for two referees (one of which must be an academic).
- Proof of English Language proficiency (minimum average score of 6.5 IELTS, with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four components) if English is not your first language.
- Passport.
The outcome of the selection process should be announced by the end of June. The successful candidate will formally start their doctorate either in July or in October 2022.
For queries regarding the application process, please email the School.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
City, University of London is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all its activities, processes, and culture, for our whole community, including staff, students and visitors.
We welcome applications regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or social class. For more information on our approaches to encouraging an inclusive environment, please see our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages.