Realising novel sealing architectures for next generation aero-engines

About the Project

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath is inviting applications for the following fully funded PhD projects, expected to commence in July 2026.

This advert may close early if a suitable candidate is identified. Early application is therefore encouraged.

Project Description:Safran Aircraft Engines will fund two full PhDs to assess the performance of novel sealing architectures in aero-engines. The studentships will seek to use a world-leading experimental test facility at Bath, designed to model the fluid dynamics present in a real in-service gas turbine. Data from the test rig will be used to validate low-order models to inform design codes aiding the designers to realise the next generation of aero-engines. One of the most important problems facing gas turbine designers today is the ingestion of hot mainstream gases into the cavity between the turbine disc (rotor) and its adjacent casing (stator). The future engine designer faces several challenges. Higher TET and OPR increase the demand on internal cooling systems and the associated stage architecture. The optimal design of turbine rim-seals - fitted at the periphery of the cavity – is crucial to realising efficient aero-engine performance. The University of Bath are world-leading in this field, publishing over forty peer-reviewed journal papers on the topic over the last decade, receiving several Best Paper Awards from ASME on this topic. This new programme will investigate the through-flow of leakage air through turbine rotors, assess clocking effects from a downstream stage, conduct high-order Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and develop a low-order ingress wave model to incorporate new fluid dynamic effects. The work packages will be aligned with the two PhD students according to their suitability and interest. It is expected that the PhDs will both publish a series of journal and conference papers, primarily through the American Society of Mechanical Engineering's Turbo Expos. The candidates will also regularly liaise with Safran and travel to Villaroche (near Paris) for programme reviews.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or the equivalent). A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.

Enquiries and Applications

Informal enquiries are encouraged! Direct these to Prof Carl Sangan - c.m.sangan@bath.ac.uk

Please make a formal application should via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.

When completing the form, in the 'Funding your studies' section, please select 'Other' from the first drop-down list, and state 'Sangan studentship' in the free text box. In the 'Your PhD project' section, please state the project title and supervisor's name in the appropriate boxes.

Failure to complete these steps will delay the processing of your application and may cause you to miss the deadline.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We value a diverse research environment and strive to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.

The Disability Service ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided the support that they need. If you state if your application that you have a disability, the Disability Service will contact you as part of this process to discuss your needs.

Keywords: Sustainability; aircraft propulsion; aerospace; fluid dynamics; CFD

Funding Notes

Two studentships are available, funded by Safran Aircraft Engines and the University of Bath. Funding covers tuition fees at the Home rate, a training support fee of £1000 per annum, and a maintenance stipend (£20780 pro-rated in 2025/6, increasing to £21805 in 2026/7), for a period of up to 3.5 years.