PhD Studentship: Flow Control Through Acoustic Excitation to Improve Future Aero Engine Performance – Cranfield University

Closing Date
12 January 2020

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship within the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Aero Systems Design, Integration & Performance at Cranfield University, in the field of acoustic excitation and flow control. This PhD investigates the effects of acoustic excitation on high Reynolds number boundary layer flows, and the potential to improve the performance of future aero engines through flow control via acoustic excitation. This research programme spans for 3 years and is in close collaboration with Rolls-Royce plc (fully funded by Rolls-Royce and the EPSRC).

Present civil aero engine components, such as intakes or low pressure compression systems, suffer from flow separation during various operating states across the flight envelope. Fundamental studies on flat plates and low-camber aerofoils have recognised that active flow control can be achieved via the re-energisation of separated boundary layers utilising acoustic waves of appropriate frequency and amplitude. This project will involve the quantification of the effects of any existing acoustic excitations on the performance of aero engine components, and will attempt to determine forced excitation requirements as a means of active flow control in gas turbine applications. The study will include amongst other:

  • Fundamental research on the effects of acoustic excitation on shear flow characteristics.
  • Development of reduced- and/or high-order models to quantify the impact of existing acoustic excitation on the performance of engine components of interest (intake, low pressure compression system, other).
  • Development of reduced- and/or high-order models to identify any potential benefits on engine performance arising from the active control of separated flows via forced acoustic excitation.
  • It is anticipated that the work will involve small-scale experimental investigations.

This fully funded PhD studentship is within the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Aero Systems Design, Integration & Performance at Cranfield University. The UTC is hosted by the Centre for Propulsion Engineering at Cranfield, testimony of the Centre’s global visibility and extensive links with industry. The UTC is the cornerstone of Cranfield’s relationship with Rolls-Royce, acting also as a supporting ‘pillar’ to the new Aerospace Integration Research Centre (AIRC) at Cranfield (a £35M partnership between Rolls-Royce, AIRBUS, HEFCE and Cranfield). It currently enrols more than 6 Senior Academics (at Professorial and Senior Lecturer level), 5 Lecturers, 15 Research Fellows, 15 PhD students and 40 MSc students from the Centre’s Thermal Power MSc course. Placed between academia and industry, it carries out research with a strong scientific and industrial relevance. The core competence of the UTC is its ability to undertake detailed modelling studies and performance simulations involving aero-thermal, multi-disciplinary models to improve and extend our understanding of power plant, aircraft and related systems’ integrated performance within, but also at the edges, of the operating envelope. There is also a large experimental activity supported by Rolls-Royce. The UTC provides a unique experience and set of skills to those students who choose to undertake their research work with Rolls-Royce at MSc or PhD level. Over recent years more than 100 Thermal Power MSc students have been recruited by Rolls-Royce, and more than 20 UTC PhD graduates (7 last year alone).

Sponsored by Rolls-Royce plc through an industrial EPSRC CASE award, this studentship will provide a full bursary for 3 years up to £18,000 per annum (tax free) depending on qualifications, plus full tuition fees at the UK/EU/International rate.

Apply though this link.

Posted on 10th December 2019 in Job Opportunities in Acoustics