Community Noise Prediction for eVTOL aircraft during flight phase transition

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Sergi Palleja Cabre and Dr Chaitanya Paruchuri

This PhD project investigates noise from eVTOL aircraft during transitional flight phases, aiming to improve prediction methods and assess perceived noise using virtual reality. It supports design-performance trade-offs, informs policy, and contributes to quieter, more acceptable urban air mobility systems through semi-empirical modelling and integration with whole-aircraft noise tools.

This PhD project focuses on understanding and predicting noise generated by electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft during transitional flight phases—from take-off to forward flight, and to vertical descent. These manoeuvres introduce complex transient noise mechanisms that are not well captured by current certification procedures yet can significantly influence community perception and acceptance of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) systems.

The project aims to develop simplified empirical models of dominant noise sources during these transitions, supported by scaled experimental data and outdoor flight tests. These models will be embedded into whole-aircraft noise prediction tools and combined with auralisation techniques using virtual reality Soundbooths to assess perceived noise.

The research will inform design trade-offs between noise and performance, optimise operational procedures, and contribute to future policy development. Students will benefit from a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment at Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR), with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant postgraduate community.

The University of Southampton is internationally recognised for its excellence in acoustics and aerospace research. PhD candidates will have opportunities to attend international conferences, workshops, and training events, and to engage with a global network of researchers and industry experts.

You will have access to the full range of postgraduate development courses offered by the University of Southampton's Doctoral College, covering academic writing, presentation skills, project management, and public engagement.

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in maths, physics or engineering subject or a related discipline.

It is advantageous to have some experience in aerospace engineering, particularly in flight mechanics, aircraft operations or aeroacoustics.

Coding experience in MATLAB or Python is also advantageous.

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

Apply now

• programme type: research
• academic year: 2026/27
• if you will be full time or part time
• faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences
• search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
• please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.

Applications should include:

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