PhD Studentship: Aerodynamics and Noise of Next-Generation Distributed Propulsion System at Bristol University

Closing Date
14 October 2022

More info

PhD Studentship: Aerodynamics and Noise of Next-Generation Distributed Propulsion System

Funding for (UK/EU/Overseas)

UK/EU (UK settled status) with permanent UK residency

The project:

The transportation technology has greatly advanced in the past two decades, leading to rapid development in the area of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), which sees the unmanned aerial vehicles and short-haul electric aircrafts to gradually become an integral part of our daily life. The UAM market is currently projected to reach an industrial value of 1.5 trillion USD by 2040. Compared to the research efforts into conventional aircraft aerodynamics and aeroacoustics, research into electrical distributed propulsion (DP) and electrical Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) which are the promising green (i.e., zero-emission) configurations for UAM, remains relatively scarce. Therefore, it is timely and essential to carry out research work into these configurations, as U.K. embraces on its ‘Build Back Greener’ initiatives.

This proposed research project aims to focus on the flow interactions associated with the distributed propulsion system, as well as their influence on the aerodynamically generated noise by implementing experimental measurements in the state-of-the-art facility and high-fidelity numerical simulations. With the comprehensive flow field and noise information, the project will significantly improve our knowledge and understanding of distribution propulsion configurations, contributing to more efficient and quieter UAM technologies.

URL for further information: Bristol Aeroacoustics Team: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/aerodynamics-research/aero-acoustics/

How to apply:

To apply for this studentship, submit a PhD application using our online application system

Please ensure that in the Funding section you tick “I would like to be considered for a funding award from the Aerospace Engineering Department” and specify the title of the scholarship in the “other” box below along with the name of the supervisor.  Interested candidates should apply as soon as possible.

Candidate requirements: 

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a Master’s degree (or international equivalent) in a mathematics or engineering discipline.  Applicants without a Master’s qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level:

Profile E

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Funding:

Available for UK/EU students (UK settled status) with permanent UK residency covering tuition fees (at the UK student rate) and a tax-free stipend for 3.5 years

For EPSRC funding, students must meet the EPSRC residency requirements.

Contacts:  

For questions about the research topic please contact Dr Nick Zang (nick.zang@bristol.ac.uk)

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact CAME Postgraduate Research Admissions came-pgr-admissions@bristol.ac.uk