PhD Studentship: Novel Methods for the Characterisation of Helicopter Aero-acoustics

Cranfield University has been at the forefront of rotorcraft research for the last 13 years, having an established track record on rotorcraft modelling, performance, aero-mechanics, and aero-acoustics. This PhD studentship is within the Propulsion Engineering Centre at Cranfield University, in the field of helicopter aerodynamic and aero-acoustic modelling. The work will develop and deliver rapid analysis capability, which can assist with the prediction of noise characteristics throughout the vehicle design and service-life. This will be accomplished through the development of a novel tool for the rapid source noise prediction of integrated helicopter-engine systems.

The proposed project aims to build a Reduced Order Model (ROM) capable of synthesising the noise hemispheres as functions of pertinent vehicle design parameters and operating conditions. A novel computational framework will be developed for helicopter noise hemisphere generation by integrating a series of validated Cranfield tools for rotor aero-mechanics and acoustics. A non-linear “free-wake” rotor model will be adapted to capture Blade Vortex Interaction (BVI) noise. This model will be extended to resolve the simultaneous evolution of the main and tail-rotor flow-fields, including the impact of the fuselage on the potential flow field. The acoustic model will be modified to be able to predict noise-hemispheres based on the combined free-wake flow solution of the main and tail rotor flows. This framework will be used to generate series of databases of noise hemispheres for a range of rotor architectures as functions of design parameters and operating conditions. Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) or Full Factorial (FF) sampling methods will be used for the Design of Experiments (DOE) to discretise the design space.

This PhD work will be sponsored by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Defence and Science Laboratory (DSTL) in the UK. DSTL is an executive agency of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) providing world class expertise and delivering cutting-edge science and technology.

It is expected that the derived modelling approach will enhance DSTL’s predictive capability in terms of helicopter aero-acoustic characterisation during the stages of preliminary design and service life.

This PhD opportunity includes funding for the successful applicant to present their work in national and international conferences. The successful applicant will also be invited for at least one 3-month placement at DSTL to work alongside propulsion, aerodynamics and rotorcraft performance specialists at the Portsdown West site.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a first-class or upper second-class degree in engineering or a related area. An aerospace background would be a distinct advantage, as would experience on aerodynamics and numerical modelling.

Funding

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be a UK national only. Eligibility is also subject to person clearance by DSTL.

About the sponsor

Sponsored by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Defence and Science Laboratory (DSTL), this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £15,609 (tax free) plus fees* for four years.

How to apply

For further information please contact:

Name: Dr Ioannis Goulos
Email: i.goulos@cranfield.ac.uk

https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/research/phd/characterisation-of-helicopter-aeroacoustics-phd 

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