Transition and turbulence simulations for high-speed aerodynamics applications

Supervisory team: Prof Neil Sandham

New computer hardware is enabling us to carry out computer simulations of the most pressing problems in aerodynamics, relating to boundary layer transition and turbulence. On this project you will join a team of researchers exploiting new facilities and tackling challenging problems, both fundamental and applied.

In this project we want to apply start-of-the-art, GPU-enabled, scale-resolving simulations to problems of transition and turbulence, with applications to internal and external aerodynamics.

With the advent of Exascale high-performance computing based on the latest GPU technology, we expect rapid progress in this field based on our ability to do fully-resolved direct numerical simulations.

In turn, these simulations enable us to develop new and improved models, potentially involving the application of machine-learning techniques. This work addresses fundamental limitations of current computational fluid dynamics models with respect to transition prediction and turbulence prediction.

You will join a team of researchers studying problems in high and low speed flows, including all aspects of transition (receptivity, growth and breakdown to turbulence), as well as the properties of turbulent flow, including over rough surfaces. Recent extensions of our capabilities include the ability to model high-enthalpy flow with thermal excitation and chemical reactions. Examples of application areas include atmospheric re-entry, intake aerodynamics and aeroacoustics.

You will be based in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Boldrewood Innovation Campus in Southampton, benefiting from a large community of PhD and post-doctoral researchers. You will have opportunities to present your work internally as well as to attend and present at international conferences.

You will also be able to take advanced modules and develop your own teaching skills. Training will be provided to get you up to speed in running the OpenSBLI/OPS code-generation framework to generate code for high performance computer applications.

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have a first class degree or its international equivalent. Student should have already studied fluid mechanics or aerodynamics to a high level, including compressible flow.

Fees and funding:

We expect to be able to confirm funding for projects in the above area in early 2026.

Full scholarships include tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate for up to 3.5 years (totalling £20,780 for 2025/26, rising annually). UK, EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships. Chinese Scholarship Council funded students are eligible for fee waivers. Funding for other international applicants is very limited and highly competitive. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

How to apply:

Apply now

Please apply via the online portal and select:

• programme type: research
• academic year: 2026/27
• if you will be full time or part time
• faculty: Engineering and Physical Science
• 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)