PhD Studentship: Aero engine fan wake turbulence – Simulation and wind tunnel experiments

Supervisory Team:    Dr David Angland

Project description  

A PhD studentship is now available in the area of aero engine fan wake turbulence. The PhD studentship provides a unique opportunity to work on a relevant engineering problem at the Airbus Noise Technology Centre (ANTC), part of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Southampton.

Turbofan engines are a dominant source of broadband noise during take-off and approach. Broadband noise is mainly produced by the interaction of the turbulent fan wakes with the Outlet Guide Vanes (OGVs). This source of noise is also relevant in Contra-Rotating Open Rotors (CRORs), as the front rotor wake impinges on the rear rotor blades, and sometimes in wind turbines.

Recent developments in aero-engines have focused on ultra-high bypass ratio turbofan engines for the coming generation of commercial aircraft. Such engines are characterized by a large bypass ratio, which may vary between 13 and 18, and a short nacelle, which reduces the separation between the fan and OGV stages and increases the importance of anisotropy in the turbulent fan wakes.

This PhD project is joint experimental and numerical. Previous work has focussed on modelling the wake assuming isotropic turbulence. Numerical simulations will be performed using in-house high order CFD code using synthetically generated turbulence. Wind tunnel experiments will be performed using the wind tunnel facilities at the University of Southampton. The outcome of this project will be a greater understanding of the role of anisotropy in turbulent wakes on fan OGV interaction noise.

This PhD studentship will provide a good opportunity to work closely with one of the largest aerospace companies in the world and explore relevant problems in the aerospace industry. It will suit a student with strong mathematical and computational skills and a good understanding of turbulence. Some wind tunnel experience is desirable not is not essential.

The Airbus Noise Technology Centre (ANTC) (http://www.southampton.ac.uk/antc/) was opened in November 2008 at the University of Southampton. It is the result of the long-standing collaboration between Airbus and the University on a range of research and development projects. The centre brings together academic staff, research fellows and PhD students using state-of-the-art computer simulations and wind tunnel testing to solve industrially relevant problems.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr David Angland, AFM Research Group, Email: d.angland@soton.ac.uk   Tel:  +44 (0) 2380 59 4987.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date : applications should be received no later than 31 March 2023 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £17,668 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years. 

How To Apply

Applications should be made online. Select programme type (Research), 2022/23, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor David Angland

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts to date

Apply online: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk