PhD Studentship: Aircraft Electrical Power System Stability

This exciting opportunity is based within the Power Electronics and Machines Centre (PEMC) Research Group  at Faculty of Engineering which conducts cutting edge research into enabling technologies for future aircraft applications.

Vision 

We are seeking PhD student that is motivated to conduct research in electrical power system stability for future aircraft applications.  Together we will make technological advances that will lead to more sustainable and safe air travel.

Motivation  

The aviation industry is responsible for 12% of carbon dioxide emissions from transport. Decarbonising aviation is a vital part of achieving net zero.  Hybrid and ‘all electric’ aircraft technologies offer a pathway to net zero. The electrification of aircraft, for both onboard and propulsion systems, is the path forward towards sustainable flights. However, there are significant challenges in achieving net zero. This project will explore approaches to achieving robust control of the electrical power system for aircraft applications, ensuring system stability across a wide range of nonlinear loads and operating conditions.

Aim 

You will have the opportunity to research and implement innovative approaches to ensure stability and thus safety of aircraft electrical power system.  You will work with a research team focussed on aircraft electrification at the PEMC group.

We are looking for

An enthusiastic, self-motivated, resourceful PhD candidate, with knowledge in aircraft power systems and IT skills in MATLAB/Simulink and other related software.  Applicants should have achieved or be expecting to achieve a 1^st or a 2:1 in an MEng degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.

Funding support 

The intended start date for the position is 1^st October 2025 and funding is available for home students at the current UKRI rate (tax free stipend of £20,780 plus tuition fees). 

Postgraduate Experience

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications  from all sections of society.

The Faculty of Engineering provides a thriving working environment for all PGRs creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. Community and research culture is important to our PGRs and the FoE support this by working closely with our Postgraduate Research Society (PGES) and our PGR Research Group Reps to enhance the research environment for PGRs. PGRs benefit from training through the Researcher Academy’s Training Programme, those based within the Faculty of Engineering have access to bespoke courses developed for Engineering PGRs. including sessions on paper writing, networking and career development after the PhD. The Faculty has outstanding facilities and works in partnership with leading industrial partners. 

For further information, please contact sharmila.sumsurooah@nottingham.ac.uk with your CV and transcript. 

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