Optimisation of Landing Gear at Overall Aircraft Level PhD

This 4-year PhD opportunity is sponsored by UKRI/EPSRC, Airbus and Cranfield University. Eligible students could receive a tax-free bursary up to £17,312 per annum. The project aims to investigate future aircraft landing gear designs and operations in the context of a holistic approach. The landing gear has important structural and system interfaces with the rest of the aircraft in providing its functions to enable taxi, take-off and landing.

Historically, the interface between airframe and landing gear has included a rotational axis and 1 or 2 side stay braces. Using modern analytical methods, this project will help to understand and integrate the Landing Gear into the airframe of new aircraft configurations. State of the art topological optimization as well as innovative materials and manufacturing techniques may open the design space towards sustainable aircraft and better optimized solutions for Overall Aircraft Design.

The project aims to investigate future aircraft landing gear designs and operations in the context of a holistic approach. The landing gear has important structural and system interfaces with the rest of the aircraft in providing its functions to enable taxi, take-off, and landing. Research objectives include: 

• Close cooperation with the ongoing Airbus research in the field, including for new aircraft configurations. 
• Generating new landing gear designs for candidate aircraft. 
• Optimizing the landing gear and aircraft energy during the terminal phases of operation.

Cranfield University excels in strategic and applied research. In the latest 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 88% of our research was considered ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in its quality. Cranfield is a ‘Top 5’ research institute, based on commercial income and it is the only Post Graduate exclusive University of the UK. Airbus is a global aircraft manufacturing company with roots in Europe, which includes in its portfolio a modern and comprehensive family of civil airliners. Airbus has a well-established track record in industrial research and technology development in the aerospace sector. Technological progress through research and innovation allows the company to contribute to civil aviation’s commitments to more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly operations.

Future aircraft may use new energy carriers and converters such as batteries, fuel cells and liquid hydrogen. Methods and design tools developed in this project are expected to enable optimized landing gear solutions for these novel aircraft, which will have different requirements to traditional aircraft.

There will be the opportunity to work closely with Airbus during this PhD. There will also be the chance to present your research work at an international conference.

During this research you will gain expertise in landing gear design and aircraft level analysis. You will become familiar with the skills required to be an independent researcher. You will acquire technical, organisational and communications skills through your work on this project. Your network in the research community and in industry obtained throughout the PhD work will be invaluable for he continuation of your career in the aerospace sector.

• Application deadline06 Sep 2023
• Award type(s)PhD
• Start date25 Sep 2023
• Duration of award4 years
• EligibilityUK
• Reference numberSATM364

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 keen interest in Mechanical Engineering, ~Energy Systems, Mechatronics, Materials Science, Optimization or Computational Science, with a command on modelling and a strong passion to learn. The candidate should be self-motivated and have good communication skills. Furthermore, ability to write publications that succinctly describe complex systems and novel concepts is a requirement. A MSc in a related topic would be an advantage.

This studentship is open to only UK applications. Funded studentships will only be awarded to exceptional candidates due to the competitive nature of the funding.

Sponsored by UKRI/EPSRC, Airbus and Cranfield University. Eligible students could receive have their Home tuition fees paid plus a tax-free bursary up to £17,312 per annum. To be eligible, you must have a UK connection.

Funding eligibility rules, where the UK connection is defined are available here  on page 11 and Annexe B. Further guidance is here .

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.

For further information please contact:

Name: Craig Lawson or Martin Skote
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

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