Novel aircraft impact on engine design

About the Project

Join our diverse and inclusive team to transform the future of aviation as part of the UK’s EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Aviation. Offering fully funded, multidisciplinary PhD research projects across areas such as:Zero Emission Technologies, Ultra Efficient Aircraft, Propulsion, Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems, Aerospace Materials, Manufacturing, and Life Cycle Analysis, Green Aviation Operations and Infrastructure, Aviation Environmental, Commercialisation & Socio-Economic Aspects.

The CDT in Net Zero Aviation is the world’s first Centre of Excellence for Net Zero Aviation Education, Training & Research, delivering impactful industrial and academic partnerships, future-proof skills, innovation, and leadership to achieve Net Zero Aviation by 2050.

This project is set to investigate the impact of novel aircraft configurations, e.g. truss-braced wing, blended-wing body (BWB), Flying-V, on engine thrust requirements and the respective implications on engine design and performance. A comprehensive assessment and down-selection of novel aircraft configurations will proceed the development of a methodology that will deliver mission profiles definition, appropriate for each configuration and business case of interest.

This research aims to shed light on the reasons behind the design drivers for novel engines and provide in depth insight on the interactions between airframe and engine, including integration aspects. The methodology planned to be developed will be comprised by existing methods, integrated novelly, and upgraded to include novel aircraft configurations platform characteristics and mission profile definition techniques that would allow closer aircraft-engine design matching and reduced development time.

This position is part of the CDT in Net Zero Aviation, which offers a modular, cohort-based training programme with emphasis on innovation and impact, collaborative working and learning, continuous development, active engagement with partners and stakeholders and inclusion of student-led activities. You will be part of an annual cohort and will receive training at different universities and industrial partners providing world-class facilities in a supportive, innovative, inclusive and interactive learning environment.

Based at Cranfield University, a global leader in aerospace research, the project benefits from world-class experimental facilities in hydrogen testing and expertise in materials science and hydrogen technologies. The industrial sponsor, Rolls‑Royce has committed to becoming a net‑zero carbon business by 2050. with suitable energy carriers forming a key pillar of its strategy. In parallel, the company is developing a geared engine targeting a 25% efficiency improvement over 2020 entry‑into‑service engines.

Successful project delivery would provide fundamental understanding of how potential disruptive change of aircraft configuration can impact future engine design. The ability to compute performance characteristics of novel aircraft configurations at platform level would allow comprehensive evaluation and analysis of their impact on engine design, providing valuable insights on future engine concepts and associated relevant technologies, while increasing confidence and reducing development risk.

While working on this exciting research project, you will be provided with:

• A fully funded 4 year full-time PhD - £25,183 tax-free stipend per year
• Attendance/presentations to international and national conferences with expenses fully covered
• Cohort and individual modular training covering technical, research, professional and personal development
• Minimum of 3 months fully funded industrial placement
• Industrial supervision/mentorship scheme
• Access to 40 industrial, government & research partners from the wider aviation sector
• Access to world class research and education facilities

The student will gain significant insight in numerical methods, performance engineering and engine operation. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the research, the goal is to train a highly skilled researcher in aerospace systems integration (airframe, propulsion systems), system of systems optimization, multi-fidelity models development and validation. Close collaboration with Rolls‑Royce as the industrial partner will further strengthen the student’s transferable skills, particularly in technical communication, research management and stakeholder engagement.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics or related fields. Ability to demonstrate knowledge in fluid mechanics, thermodynamic cycles, or numerical analysis is beneficial but not essential. Determination, curiosity, and a willingness to learn are key attributes we value. Applicants with alternative qualifications, industry experience, or from diverse educational and professional backgrounds are also strongly encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome candidates from underrepresented groups in STEM, mature applicants, carers, or individuals returning to academia after career breaks, offering flexible working arrangements and support tailored to individual needs.

How to apply

For further information please contact:

Name: Dr Christos Mourouzidis

Email: c.mourouzidis@cranfield.ac.uk

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

1st Interview expected 28 May.

2nd Interview expected 5 June.

Applications should be submitted as soon as possible, as the interview process will begin within the application period due to high demand.

Funding Notes

Sponsored by the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Aviation and Rolls-Royce plc., This opportunity provides a fully funded 4 year full-time PhD with £25,183 tax free annual stipend, and additional funding for international and national conferences, training and industrial placement.

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a Home fee status student. Further advice can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.