Aero-optics of high-speed flow

About the Project

Supervisory Team - Neil Sandham

Supersonic and hypersonic flows contain density fluctuations that affect the performance of optical sensors, including non-intrusive flow measurement. An additional feature is the challenging aerothermodynamic environment with extreme surface heating. On this project you'll use scale-resolving numerical simulation to understand the flow physics and develop new prediction methods.

Optical sensing in high-speed flows must cope with optical distortion due to the unsteady density fluctuations within transitional and turbulent boundary layers. In addition, optical windows need to withstand high unsteady heat loads. The phenomena can in principle be captured within scale-resolving numerical simulations, including large-eddy and direct numerical simulations. This project will use simulation methods to understand the flow physics and then construct reduced order fluid dynamic and optical models that can represent the essential characteristics. You'll then study the potential of flow control schemes to reduce heat loads and improve optical properties.

This project is offered as part of the UK Hypersonic Doctoral Training Network (UKHDTN), co-ordinated by the University of Oxford. You'll be part of a cohort of students studying a wide range topics in hypersonics, supported by advanced courses. On the project you'll gain experience with state-of-the-art simulation methods, using exascale-level high performance computers, based on modern heterogenous GPU/CPU computer architectures, and gain experience with large data processing techniques and reduced order modelling methods. You'll join a team of researchers in Southampton studying problems in high and low speed flows using scale-resolving simulation techniques, including all aspects of transition and turbulent flow.

You'll be based in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Boldrewood Innovation Campus in Southampton, benefiting from a large community of PhD and post-doctoral researchers. You will have opportunities to present your work internally as well as to attend and present at international conferences. Training will be provided to get you up to speed in running the code-generation framework to generate code for high performance computer applications. You'll also participate in advanced modules as part of the UKHDTN.

Entry requirements

You must have a UK First-class honours degree, or its international equivalent, in fluid mechanics or aerodynamics.

Fees and funding

Fully funded project via the UK Hypersonics Doctoral Training Network.

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)