Advanced Aerospace Systems: Novel Electric Actuator for Aerospace Applications with BAE Systems PhD

A fully funded PhD studentship with BAE Systems and a great opportunity to work closely with a leading aerospace organisation at the forefront of advanced aircraft technologies. We are looking for enthusiastic, inquisitive and motivated researchers with a strong interest in aerospace systems engineering to develop innovative solutions and technologies. This is a BAE Systems - EPSRC CASE Award for the design and development of a novel electric actuator. The successful candidate will join a diverse, world class research group and will work closely with BAE Systems. The researcher will also have the opportunity to have an industrial placement.

The research will focus on the application of Systems Engineering methodologies for the design and development of future novel electric actuators to support engineering Net Zero and the sustainable development of future aerospace systems.

The researcher will work closely with BAE Systems to review and develop operational, functional and design requirements for future electric actuators used with advanced and sustainable air platforms. The suitability of novel electric actuation technologies and topologies will be reviewed to identify, develop and assess potential designs that meet the agreed requirements. Appropriate design, optimisation and performance simulation models will be developed and used during the project. A systems engineering approach will ensure that all aspects of the design and integration process are captured including integration with cooling and thermal management system, physical integration and installation, selection of materials and manufacturing methods, optimisation of size, weight, power and cost while meeting operational, performance, safety and reliability as well as validation and verification requirements where possible.

The researcher will join a diverse and inclusive team at Cranfield University that focuses on the development, integration and evaluation of novel aircraft systems and technologies with emphasis on Engineering Net Zero and Sustainability. The team has developed state of the art, multidisciplinary design and systems engineering methodologies for advanced and novel aerospace systems covering a wide range of applications and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to use and further develop these capabilities. Furthermore the research will have a unique opportunity to work closely with a leading industrial organisation and will be exposed to the full design cycle of advanced systems.

Findings and outcomes will be used to evaluate and influence the design and development of future, novel electric actuators and will directly support Net Zero Aviation. In this context it is expected that the research will directly contribute to innovative solutions including novel electric motor topologies, advanced cooling systems and use of novel material and manufacturing methods along with their integration. It will also contribute to the ongoing development of digital design methods within a Systems Engineering framework informing validation and verification processes of future systems.

The researcher will work closely with BAE Systems’ specialists and technology managers. You will have the opportunity to have industrial placements as well as attend national and international events and conferences and interact with international and European experts working on similar topics. The research and supervisory team at Cranfield have developed world class research capabilities related to the topic along with strong international links that will offer the opportunity to the researcher to interact with leading international experts in the topic.

You will contribute to the future of green aviation, make use of Systems Engineering methodologies to develop and assess innovative design and technology solutions, work at the forefront of research focusing on future and sustainable aerospace systems. You will also develop multidisciplinary research and technology skills. Join a world class team. Develop management, presentation, planning, communication and technical skills. Build and develop its own network.