MSc by Research in Supersonic passenger transport aircraft engine design to investigate noise and emissions

This 1-year MSc by Research opportunity is funded by Cranfield University. The research is part of the EU Horizon 2020 framework project SENECA and partners include Rolls-Royce, DLR and ONERA. Eligible students could receive a tax-free bursary up to £14,400-£16,800 per annum. The project aims to investigate future supersonic business jet and airliner design with a strong emphasis on emissions and noise. The research is focused on the development of platform specifications for supersonic aircraft, which are suitable for assessing emissions and noise impact. The platforms specifications include geometrical/configurations data, performance characteristics, and mission trajectories/profiles.

Research activities include: 

• Close cooperation with DLR, Rolls-Royce and ONERA on the SENECA project.
• Gather top-level and engine-level requirements. 
• Teamworking with other aircraft and engine designers by receiving flightpath thrust requirements for the aircraft and returning propulsion system performance characteristics for the integrated engine-aircraft design iterations.
• Providing engine data to teammates to analyse emissions and noise.
• Conduct multi-disciplinary design optimisation by developing and deploying Cranfield University’s EPIDOSYS computational platform equipped with the Rolls-Royce version of the NPSS software.

This MSc by Research project will contribute to the EU Horizon 2020 SENECA project which aims at developing deepened understanding and detailed modelling for the emissions, the take-off and landing noise, and the global environmental impact of supersonic aircraft. Building on this, the development of beyond state-of-the-art technologies to further reduce the environmental impact of supersonic aviation will be enabled. SENECA will contribute its project results to the ICAO level discussions, in order to scientifically accompany and strengthen the European perspective on the necessary regulations for novel supersonic aircraft. Key milestones of the project dissemination and exploitation plan are aligned to the CAEP work program and agenda, and the whole project plan is designed to work towards these milestones.

This MSc by Research project will contribute to the overall SENECA aims by providing propulsion system integrated design solutions for supersonic civil aircraft, which are suitable for assessing environmental (emissions and noise) impact. The objectives are: 

• To perform design space exploration of propulsion systems powering supersonic civil airliners with 100 passengers and cruising Mach numbers 2.0<Mn< 2.2.
• To perform integrated design optimisation for the propulsion system identified as most promising during the design space exploration exercise

Cranfield University are seeking top-class candidates to undertake research leading to the award of MSc by Research.

At a glance

• Application deadline19 Apr 2023
• Award type(s)MSc by Research
• Start date05 Jun 2023
• Duration of award1 year
• EligibilityUK, EU, Rest of World
• Reference numberSATM365

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit a candidate with a minimum of an upper second (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical or aerospace engineering.

Funding

To be eligible for full tuition fee funding, applicants must qualify for either Home or Overseas fees. Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Department for Education rules. As a guiding principle, UK or Irish nationals who are ordinarily resident in either the UK or Republic of Ireland pay Home tuition fees. All other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees. On top of the full tuition fees, the funding includes full stipend.

About the sponsor
Sponsored by Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of £14,400-£16,800 (tax free) plus fees* per annum for one year.
Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network.  This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

How to apply

For further information please contact:

Name: Dr Christos Mourouzidis
Email:c.mourouzidis@cranfield.ac.uk

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.