Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics of eVTOL Propulsion in a Steady and Unsteady Environment

About the Project

Project Overview

The transportation technology has greatly advanced in the past two decades, leading to rapid development in the area of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), which sees unmanned aerial vehicles and short-haul electric aircrafts to gradually become an integral part of our daily life. The UAM market is currently projected to reach an industrial value of 1.5 trillion USD by 2040. Compared to the research efforts into conventional aircraft aerodynamics and aeroacoustics, research into electrical distributed propulsion (DP) and electrical Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) which are the promising green (i.e. zero-emission) configurations for UAM, remains relatively scarce. Therefore, it is timely and essential to carry out research work into these configurations, as U.K. embraces on its ‘Build Back Greener’ initiatives.

This proposed research project aims to focus on the interaction of incoming flow disturbances (i.e., gusts) with the eVTOL propulsion system in urban settings, as well as their influence on the aerodynamically generated noise by implementing experimental measurements in the state-of-the-art facility. With the comprehensive flow field and noise information, the project will significantly improve our knowledge and understanding of aerodynamic response of eVTOL propulsion configurations in the presence of flow unsteadiness, contributing to more efficient and quieter UAM technologies.

Research Team and Facilities

In this project, you will be part of the Centre for Intelligent Transport research group and work with passionate researchers in the group to develop expertise in experimental aeroacoustics. You will be working in the recently renovated anechoic chamber and low-speed wind tunnels with state-of-the-art flow and acoustics diagnostics and bring a step change to our understanding on the noise generation and mitigation of distributed propulsion system applicable to future aircrafts. Through the project, you will also have opportunities to interact with researchers in UK and around the world, and various research networks such as the Vertical Lift Network (UK), the UK Acoustics Network + and the UK Fluids Network, building a strong foundation for research expertise and career development.

Who are we looking for?

• Applicants should hold/achieve a master’s degree (or international equivalent) in a mathematics or engineering discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree.
• Strong interest in experimental techniques.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Note: There are two PhD positions available on this research project, and both will work closely throughout. Applicants are welcome to apply for both.

Funding Notes

• Note for EPSRC studentships; these studentships are open to those with Home fee status; stipend rate is £22,618 p.a.