Propulsion system intake design and unsteady aerodynamics PhD

The design of compact intakes is considered a vital technology in the development of next generation ducted propulsion systems. Compact intakes are expected to provide benefits in terms of fuel burn reduction through cruise drag benefits as well as a reduction in the mass of the overall propulsion system. Without adequate intake understanding and design methods novel propulsion systems will not be viable. The overall aim of the PhD project is to develop and validate a methodology to assess unsteady distorted intake flow-fields as well as the unsteady interaction between fan and intake. The project is in collaboration with Rolls-Royce plc and is fully funded for fees and bursary.

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The unsteady fan-intake aerodynamic interaction for compact propulsion systems is not well understood and the existing industrial standards for assessing unsteady flow-fields are inadequate. There is a need to move to eddy resolving calculations and to employ new, innovative, advanced analysis methods. There is no evidence in the literature as to how changes in intake design affect the critical flow separation mechanism and interaction with the fan. There is an open question as to how much system improvement can be realised by taking this into account.

The aim of the research is to develop and validate a methodology to assess unsteady distorted intake flow-fields, as well as the unsteady interaction between fan and intake with eddy resolving CFD methods. Methods such as engine order spectrogram analysis, POD to resolve spatial modes, spectral analysis on the POD temporal coefficients and spectral analysis in the moving frame of reference will be applied. Statistical approaches such as Extreme Value Theory (EVT) will be used to estimate, with uncertainty bounds, the peak events. This is a critical consideration for the unsteady distortion and impact upon the fan aerodynamic and aero-mechanical stability. This is a major change in the analysis of the unsteady flow-field from the current state of the art.

The project will contribute to the understanding of a long-standing engineering challenge, whilst at the same time providing the investigator with an exceptional development opportunity through their engagement with Rolls-Royce.

Part of the research will include a placement at Rolls-Royce for up to 3 months working with specialists to gain a broader appreciation of the range of applicability of the research.

The student will be based within the School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing. Cranfield operates a substantial Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (DRCD) for its research students. This programme is based on the Researcher Development Framework which is the national professional development framework for supporting researchers not just during the PhD but also throughout their career. This system provides a generic structured training programme which is constructed to support the researcher as the PhD progresses with specific courses aimed at the different phases of a PhD. For example, the programme includes aspects such as research methods, technical report writing, presenting research, data management, leadership skills, professional development planning, intellectual property, publishing, etc. Cranfield is a wholly post-graduate university and there are a wide range of MSc and Professional Development Short Courses throughout the year. These mainly focus on technical topics and a specific training programme will be agreed with the PhD student.

At a glance

• Application deadline12 Aug 2022
• Award type(s)PhD
• Duration of award3 years
• EligibilityUK, EU, Rest of World
• Reference numberSATM286

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 with a good background on compressible flow dynamics would be a distinct advantage as would experience of Python coding and computational aerodynamics.
Funding

This is a fully-funded opportunity.

This studentship is open to both UK and international applications. However, we are only permitted to offer a limited number of studentships to applicants from outside the UK. Funded studentships will only be awarded to exceptional candidates due to the competitive nature of the funding.

Sponsored by EPSRC and Rolls-Royce, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £18,000 (tax free) plus fees for three years.

Applicants must also clear administrative checks from the sponsor.

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 Robert Christie
Email: [email protected]

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

Although there is a nominal closing date of 12 August 2022, the post will be filled as soon as possible for a suitable candidate.