Bio-inspired control of non-equilibrium turbulent boundary layers for efficient low-noise aerofoils

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Professor Jae-Wook Kim

This project aims to study and identify the beneficial effects of using bio-inspired geometry on aerofoils, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and reducing the noise generated from non-equilibrium turbulent boundary layers. It is a computational study by using a highly optimised CFD code on the UK supercomputer ARCHER2.

It is well known that non-equilibrium turbulent boundary layers significantly affect the aerodynamic performance and noise generation of aerofoils. This project aims to study and identify the beneficial effects of bio-inspired geometry applied to aerofoils, which may enhance aerodynamic efficiency and/or reduce the noise generated from non-equilibrium turbulent boundary layers. We will conduct this study using high-fidelity computational simulations (DNS and LES) on massively parallel supercomputers (ARCHER2 and IRIDIS6).

An in-house code entitled CANARD (Compressible Aerodynamics & Aeroacoustics Research coDe) will be used for this study, which was developed by the project supervisor at the University of Southampton. All necessary guidance and training for the code will be provided as part of this project.

Various types of bio-inspired geometries can be considered in this study. The decision as to which ones will be investigated will be made via a project co-design process between you and your supervisor, hence is open to discussion. In addition to the computational simulation code, various post-processing and data analysis tools such as Power Spectral Density (PSD), Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) and Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) will be used to uncover and pinpoint the underlying physical mechanisms contained in the data.

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

Essential skills:

• very good knowledge of aerodynamics, turbulence and compressible flow
• experience in computer programming

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.

Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.

How to apply

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)

Contact us

Project leader

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please email Jae-Wook Kim (j.w.kim@soton.ac.uk)