PhD Studentship: Aerostructural Optimisation with Active Flow Control

Supervisory Team: Prof. Ali Elham 

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. To achieve such goals, the sector is looking at new energy carriers (batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen) and distributed propulsion concepts, as well as new configurations such as Ultra-High Aspect Ratio Wings (UHARW). Although the UHARW concept presents the distinct advantage of reduced induced drag, consequently leading to reduced fuel consumption and extended range, it concurrently introduces challenges associated with substantial aerodynamic load-induced wing bending moments and shear forces. These factors give rise to heightened structural weight, thereby constraining the overall advantages of the UHARW design. To tackle this challenge, some strategies can be employed, for example, integrating novel configurations, such as strut-braced wings, with novel technologies, such as active and passive load alleviation. 

In collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology, in this project, an approach for aerostructural analysis and optimisation of UHARWs, including active flow control, will be developed and applied to the design of next-generation low-emission transport aircraft. Advanced optimisation approaches, i.e. coupled-adjoint sensitivity analysis, will be integrated with medium to high-fidelity aerodynamic and structural analysis tools to achieve this goal. 

We are seeking a person with an MSc. in aerospace or a closely related field with experience in optimisation, aeroelasticity, CFD and finite element analysis of structure. Both UK and international students are welcome to apply. 

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 an Athena SWAN Bronze award was received by the School of Engineering in recognition of our continued commitment to improving equality for women in science and engineering. 

The Faculty offers exceptional research facilities in the areas of fluids, structures and their interactions, including a new world-class fluid dynamics facilities complex in the Boldrewood Engineering Campus, complete with a 138m towing tank.  

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

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof. Ali Elham Research Group Computational Engineering and Design, Email: a.elham@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 6044. 

Entry Requirements

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

Closing Date: Applications should be received no later than  31 March 2024 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place. 

Funding: For UK and international students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £18,198 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years. 

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). 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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