PhD Studentship in Turbine Secondary Flows Under Engine Realistic Inlet Conditions

Secondary flows in turbines are a major source of aerodynamic loss and performance degradation and have therefore been studied extensively over many decades. Much of this work has focused on idealised configurations, such as cascade environments with colinear inlet boundary layers and well-defined incidence conditions, which have led to a strong foundational understanding of secondary-flow mechanisms.

In real engines, however, the situation is considerably more complex. The presence of purge flows and tip leakage leads to inlet conditions at the endwalls that differ fundamentally from those typically assumed in classical studies. These effects include the introduction of streamwise vorticity at inlet, large spatial variations in incidence near the endwalls, and substantially thickened and skewed inlet boundary layers. Together, these features can significantly alter the formation, strength, and development of secondary flows.

This PhD project focuses on understanding turbine secondary flows under realistic engine-relevant conditions, with particular emphasis on the role of purge flows. Using CFD, the research will investigate how purge flow modifies secondary-flow behaviour and contributes to loss generation, and how these effects differ from those observed in idealised configurations.

The project is supported by Rolls-Royce and combines fundamental flow-physics understanding with a clear design motivation, while remaining suitable for a student developing their research skills from a strong Master's-level background.

Expected Outcomes

• Improved understanding of turbine secondary-flow behaviour in the presence of purge flow and tip leakage
• CFD-based assessment of how inlet flow distortion, incidence variation, and boundary-layer modification influence secondary-flow development
• Identification of key physical mechanisms responsible for increased loss under realistic inlet conditions
• Exploration of design strategies to mitigate secondary-flow losses in practical turbine environments

This project is aimed at highly motivated candidates with a strong academic background who are looking to transition from advanced taught study into doctoral research.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A strong academic background in aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, or turbomachinery (typically a first-class undergraduate degree or equivalent, and/or a strong Master's degree)
• Experience with CFD, for example through coursework, projects, or a Master's thesis
• An interest in turbine aerodynamics, secondary flows, and real-engine flow physics
• Programming and data-analysis skills (Python preferred)
• Curiosity and motivation to work on complex, industrially relevant aerodynamic problems

Why This PhD?

• Work on an industrially relevant research problem supported by Rolls-Royce
• Develop strong CFD, analysis, and aerodynamic reasoning skills
• Gain experience addressing the gap between idealised academic studies and real engine flows
• Build expertise directly applicable to careers in aerospace, energy, and related engineering sectors

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2.1 degree in an Engineering or related subject.

This 3.5 year studentship includes a stipend at the UKRI minimum rate, and will cover fees for a home or international student.

Applications should be submitted via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egegpdpeg/finance, with Dr Chris Clark identified as the potential supervisor. Applications may close early if the position is filled before the advertised date. Please note there is a £20 application fee attached to using the Cambridge Applicant Portal

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Key information

Department/location

Department of Engineering

Reference

NM48818

Category

Studentships

Date published

11 February 2026

Closing date

2 March 2026