High speed aerodynamic assessment of launcher systems

This PhD project is part of the Rocketry Research, Teaching, and Training (R2T2) which is an integrated doctoral programme, run across eight UK universities, which seeks to provide the opportunity to pursue a PhD space launch technologies. The programme is fully funded, and a budget of approximately £50k will be available to support practical experiments which may include hotfire, cold-flow, wind tunnel experiments, or similar, according to the needs of the specific project. Where hotfire is indicated, technical oversight will be put in place and the use of the MachLab test site at Machrihanish Airbase will be offered, although not required. In addition, a practical and online training scheme will be put in place, designed to offer an introduction to the skills required in the space launch industry. These will likely include project management skills, propellant handling, gas/cryo safety, and many more. Parts of this training programme will be delivered at Westcott.

This specific project, at the University of Manchester , envisages a project based on high speed aerodynamics. To enable single stage to orbit (SSTO), airbreathing propulsion intakes are required at launch and through atmospheric flight. The stability and compression ratio of these intakes are critical to the performance of the vehicle and must be understood fully. However large velocity ranges and compressibility pose a challenge. Limitations in numerical modelling need to be supported by experiments in realistic flow fields. One of the key challenges in understanding and characterising these flows is the ability to simulate flow conditions both experimentally and numerically. The large velocity ranges, high levels of compressibility and complex three-dimensional flows around control surfaces and devices provide an extreme challenge to numerical models. Consequently the limitations in numerical modelling in this area need to be supported by experimental investigations carried out in static or ballistic tunnels. The development of suitable diagnostic and flow visualization techniques for such flows is required to fully characterize these flows.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-fap

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [email protected].

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).