Lead supervisor name Mr John Doherty

Application deadline 29^th September 2013

Research group aerodynamics and environmental flow research group

Project description

Aerodynamics is a central discipline within the early and detailed phases of multidisciplinary aircraft design. During concept selection there is a requirement to assess various promising aircraft concepts, with sufficient accuracy, but to achieve this within a rapid timescale. Rapid concept level aerodynamic design tools are available, but these lack fidelity and the resolution of the resulting design is limited. Higher fidelity aerodynamic analysis tools are used in the subsequent stages of design, but these methods can be time-consuming and require a highly detailed design definition.

Research will address the need for generation of medium fidelity aerodynamic data, within a rapid timescale, suitable for integration into a broader multidisciplinary analysis and design process. The challenge is to provide aerodynamic data for design trades, without having time to design and refine an aerodynamic wing shape to the level required to use high fidelity tools (e.g. Cfd). This medium fidelity prediction would be dependent on top level parameters and assumptions to account for normal 3d design principles. The research will involve design process development, combining mixed fidelity aerodynamic analysis methods in 2d/3d, surrogate modelling techniques and optimisation. The successful candidate will be based for up to half of the 3 year period at airbus filton, working with the wing aerodynamic design team and the multidisciplinary integration team.

The successful candidate should have obtained a 1st class or good 2.1 degree in aerospace/aeronautical engineering, physics, applied mathematics or a related discipline. Previous knowledge of aerodynamics would be advantageous.

Due to funding this is a fully funded studentship open to uk and uk-resident applicants (see www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/pages/eligibility.aspx for eligibility criteria). A tax-free stipend of £15000/year is available, which includes an increase over the standard studentship stipend to cover periods based in airbus.

References (additional application information, link to surrey website etc)

Enquiries/cvs can initially be sent directly to john doherty (john.doherty@surrey.ac.uk).

Full applications should be made at the apply button below. Follow ‘applying for phd’ link to the online application form, which requires creation of an online account.