Supported by
Rolls-Royce plc

Overview
Supervisor: Dr Vassilios Pachidis

Applications are invited for 3-year PhD or 1-year MRes studentships in the Department of Power and Propulsion, Cranfield University, in the field of aero-engine design and performance optimisation. The research is in collaboration with Rolls-Royce plc. Studentships cover a wide range of research areas, from the design optimisation of the main and secondary gas paths of the engine, turbomachinery and variable geometry, to the optimisation of the cycle performance at extreme operating conditions.

Entry requirements
Applicants for the post 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 in computational aerodynamics, aero-engine modelling and programming. 

Studentships will be paid a tax-free stipend of approximately £1,100 p.m., plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate.

Doctoral Training Centre
This higher research degree is associated with our Aerospace Doctoral Training Centre (DTC). The Aerospace DTC encompasses a wide range of research and technology in the field of aeronautics and astronautics, including applications in the civil and defence sectors. The research areas range from advanced computational modeling and simulation to experimental testing using large scale facilities, including: flight testing, large wind tunnels, cabin evacuation, manufacturing and high-performance computing facilities.

A tailored programme of seminars and events alongside the generic core skills training programme, provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities with Cranfield’s wider research community.

Gas Turbine Engineering and Technology Group
The Gas Turbine Engineering and Technology Group, led by Professor Riti Singh, focuses on gas turbines and related technologies. This includes applications of the gas turbine to aircraft and marine propulsion, electrical power generation, oil and gas pumping and chemical process plants.

The group hosts a world leading postgraduate educational programme, including the MSc in Thermal Power, with a number of options, and research degrees at MSc, MPhil, PhD and EngD. levels. Additionally, a wide portfolio of Continuing Professional Development short courses is offered.

Our activity is strongly supported by national and international industry, UK, EU and other research councils and organisations.. The research and studies are centred around the development of advanced simulation tools that are used to add value to the activities of many partners and are strengthened by close links with the international propulsion, power, oil and gas industries.

Some examples of our areas of interest include:

• Analysis
• Diagnostics
• Energy and the Environment.
• Life Cycle Costs and Power
• Propulsion and Power
• Selection of Equipment
• Simulation

How to apply