PhD Studentship: Nonlinear Aerostructural Optimisation of Boundary Layer Ingesting Fan

Supervisory Team: Prof. Ali Elham, Dr. Jie Yuan 

Project Description:

To meet the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement, aviation (~3% of human global CO2 emissions) must do its share. The target for air transportation is a 75% reduction in CO2 and a 90% reduction in NOx by 2050. The European Green Deal even aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. To achieve such goals, the path forward is minimising aircraft weight and drag and moving towards emissions-free energy sources, storage and conversion systems. The sector is looking at new energy carriers (batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen), distributed propulsion concepts, and new configurations such as blended-wing-body. Boundary Layer Ingestion (BLI) is a promising technology for future propulsion systems, which can significantly reduce energy consumption. However, the design of boundary layer ingesting fans is challenging due to aeromechanical problems (e.g. flutter or high cycle fatigue) due to the distortion caused by BLI. In this project, we will extend our high-fidelity multidisciplinary design optimisation (MDO) framework for the design of BLI fans. The proposed MDO is based on adjoint aerostructural optimisation, augmented with machine learning, considering complex aerostructural behaviour affected by BLI-distorted aero loads. 

We are particularly looking for UK national students, either having or expecting to achieve a first-class degree in aerospace engineering. You should have studied CFD, FEM, and optimisation with a particular interest towards high-performance computing. 

You will join a leading Engineering Faculty with an excellent record of collaborative research with industry and academic institutions in the UK and abroad. In September 2013, the School of Engineering received an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our continued commitment to improving women's equality in science and engineering.   

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof. Ali Elham at a.elham@soton.ac.uk or +44 (0) 238059 6044. 

At the University of Southampton, we value diversity and equality. The University recognises that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit their caring responsibilities or work-life balance.  Due consideration will also be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness. Both the University of Southampton and Chemistry are proud to hold the Athena Swan Silver Awards. 

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent). 

Closing Date: 31 August 2024. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified. 

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton. Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered. 

How To Apply

Apply online: HERE Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Prof Ali Elham. 

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date 

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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