Multi-body Hypersonic Aerodynamics PhD

This is a full funded PhD (fees and bursary) in hypersonic aerodynamics in collaboration with EPSRC.

The overall aim of the research is to investigate what are the aerodynamic interference characteristics, at hypersonic speeds, that are likely to adversely affect multibody separation. The research encompasses experimental and computational elements to evaluate the aerodynamics of multibody separation. Experiments using canonical configurations in the Cranfield hypersonic gun tunnel will statically represent the multi-body aerodynamics. The computational work will use Cranfield’s high-order UCNS3D code.to simulate hypersonic multi-body aerodynamic interactions and coupled trajectory modelling.

The development of UK sovereign hypersonic technologies and expertise are key considerations in the development of new air systems. A key challenge for some of envisaged air vehicle configurations and applications is the prediction and evaluation of multi-body aerodynamic characteristics and the impact on body trajectories. The overall aim of the research is to determine the aerodynamic interference conditions that are likely to adversely affect multibody separation at hypersonic speeds and will include both computational and experimental elements.

The experimental studies will investigate the multi-body aerodynamics of canonical configurations in the Cranfield hypersonic gun tunnel. The experiments will provide a range of flow visualisations and quantitative measurements for CFD validation. The computational research will include validation simulations of the experimental configurations as well as multi-body arrangements with coupled 6-DOF models over a range of hypersonic Mach numbers to predict the unsteady body trajectories and aerodynamic interactions. The computations will also explore Exascale-ready Discontinuous Galerkin/Finite Volume unstructured methods for hypersonic interactions using the Cranfield University high-order UCNS3D code.

The research is funded through EPSRC, UK MoD and Cranfield University. During the PhD programme the student is expected to participate in centralised training and cohort building activities which will be coordinated by the UK Hypersonic Technologies champion, based at the University of Oxford.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit a student with an aerospace or mechanical engineering background. Experience of high-speed computational or experimental aerodynamics would be a distinct advantage. As part of this role you will be required to obtain UK Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Security Clearance.

This studentship is restricted to British, USA or Australian nationals.

Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield

At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.

We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum.

For further information please contact:

Name: Professor David MacManus

Email: D.G.Macmanus@cranfield.ac.uk

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

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.