Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

University of Southampton

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AACE-AFM-04: Landing Gear Flow Control for Noise Reduction

Prof Xin Zhang, Dr David Angland Applications accepted all year round

Southampton United Kingdom

About the Project

A PhD studentship is now available in the area of aerodynamics and aeroacoustics of landing gear. The studentship provides a unique opportunity to work on a relevant engineering problem. The studentship is provided by EADS IW and University of Southampton. The unsteady aerodynamic flow field around a deployed landing gear leads to noise radiation to the ground causing environment problems. This project is related to landing gear flow control. The aim is to investigate interaction noise between representative components including both numerical simulation and wind tunnel experiment. The experimental work will include designing a generic wind tunnel model and performing aerodynamic and noise measurements. The numerical work will focus on how various flow control concepts could be applied with the aim to reduce the noise generating mechanisms. The aims include: a) large scale computer modelling of flow control applied to various components; b) coupling of near-field aerodynamic results with an acoustic propagation/radiation solver to predict the far-field noise levels; b) design and testing of a suitable wind tunnel models. The PhD studentship will provide a good opportunity to work with one of the largest aerospace companies in the world, and explore relevant problems in the aerospace industry.

The work will be based in the Airbus Noise Technology Centre (ANTC). The centre brings together academic staff, research fellows and PhD students using state-of-the-art computer simulations and wind tunnel testing to develop new noise reduction and flow control concepts.
http://www.soton.ac.uk/antc/

Candidates must have a first class or upper second class degree (or its equivalent) in relevant disciplines, e.g. mathematics, aeronautics or engineering.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof. Xin Zhang or Dr. David Angland, AFM research group, Email: [Email Address Removed] or [Email Address Removed] Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 4891.

Where will I study?

University of Southampton

Join one of the world’s leading universities. With over 150 years of history, we are a founding member of the Russell Group, and consistently placed in the top 100 universities in the world by the QS World University Rankings. 92 per cent of our research output was assessed in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) as being world-leading and internationally excellent, confirming our status as one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities. This international outlook and reputation attract staff from across the world, with over 25 per cent coming from outside the UK. Innovative thinking and pioneering research are at the heart of our culture; our people are finding solutions for some of the biggest challenges that our planet is facing, pursuing environmental sustainability, and making a difference to the world. We stand for exploration and curiosity, interdisciplinary thinking, inventive education and cutting-edge facilities to catalyse change.

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Make your mark at the leading edge of science and engineering research. At the University of Southampton’s Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, we’re studying stars as they explode, inscribing the human genome into crystals, shaping the future of human interaction with AI, helping build brighter liveable cities, and using chemistry for sustainable manufacturing. We’re looking for innovators, critical thinkers and curious minds to join us in driving new discoveries, with real opportunities for impact through our links with industry and governments and our enterprise initiatives. In return you’ll benefit from multi-million-pound research facilities, the expertise of leading specialists and a supportive, inclusive research community.

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Why study at the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences?

96% of our research environment, which includes our facilities, resources and expertise, is rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), placing us in a globally competitive position.

Fully funded programmes available in defence and security, sustainability and quantum engineering – offered through our specialist Centres for Doctoral Training.

Advance your entrepreneurial ambitions through Future Worlds, our on-campus accelerator.

Work with highly regarded researchers, including 36 Fellows of the UK’s prestigious Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Make a difference in a faculty that focuses on real-world change, recognised by three Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education – the highest UK state honours for excellence, innovation and impact.

Over 800

postgraduate students

202

PhDs

Over 96%

of our research is rated either world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

Southampton United Kingdom

main campus

About the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences is home to around 40% of the University of Southampton’s postgraduate researchers, putting you at the heart of a dynamic, diverse research environment. Here you’ll join a community of brilliant minds who are finding solutions to global problems across engineering, chemistry, physics, photonics and computer science.

You’ll have access to the exceptional facilities you’d expect from a leading research university, such as the UK’s largest university towing tank, high-voltage testing labs, cleanrooms for nanofabrication, advanced imaging and prototyping facilities and instrumentation for spectroscopy, electrochemistry and sustainable materials.

With funded programmes, scholarships and opportunities to work flexibly, we’re committed to breaking down barriers to postgraduate research. For example, we host or partner in several UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) specialist Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) that offer fully funded opportunities in collaboration with industry:

If entrepreneurship is your route to real-world impact, our on-campus business accelerator Future Worlds offers mentoring, funding advice and access to global investor networks. You’ll be immersed in a strong enterprise culture – the University tops the world rankings for business incubation, with 26 spin-outs and over 199 patents in the last three years.

Opportunities for skills development, such as teaching, demonstrating and public engagement, are embedded into your PhD journey. You can also choose from over 400 workshops each year to build a professional development programme tailored to your career ambitions.

Funded PhD programmes in related subject areas

Student life at the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Take your place in a vibrant, inclusive research community where you’ll get all the support you need to thrive.

Welcome events, mentoring schemes, talks and regular informal coffee sessions will help you settle in and make connections, while the University’s Doctoral College brings the wider postgraduate research community together to share ideas and celebrate successes. Its activities include poster exhibitions and a Three Minute Thesis competition – won in 2025 by one of our second-year Electronics and Computer Science researchers, who went through to the UK semi-finals.

We are committed to fostering an environment where research excellence and inclusion go hand in hand, through initiatives such as the Race Equality Charter, Athena Swan recognition and Black Futures Scholarships. Postgraduate networks, including a parents’ and carers’ network and LGBTQ+ groups, create a space for people with shared interests or priorities. There are also comprehensive wellbeing, disability and inclusion services to provide any additional support you might need.

Depending on your field of research, you’ll likely be based at Highfield Campus, which blends a traditional academic setting with modern facilities, or the University’s newest campus at nearby Boldrewood. Both campuses are home to world-class research and testing facilities.

From either location, you’ll be able to enjoy all that Southampton has to offer. A friendly, walkable city with a mix of cultural venues, green spaces, coastal walks and a mild climate, it’s a great place for postgraduate life.

Subjects available at Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Acoustics

Acoustics Engineering

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Geotechnical Engineering

Human Computer Interaction

Immunology

Industrial Chemistry

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Integrated Engineering

Internet Of Things

Machine Learning

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Marine Sciences

Mathematical Modelling

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Mechanics

Mechatronics

Medical Physics

Medical Statistics

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Statistics

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Frequently asked questions

When can I start my studies?

Our standard start dates are September, January, April, and June, with most postgraduate researchers starting in September. If you hold a student visa and are currently studying for an MSc in the UK, the September start date may not be available to you.

What other PhD funding opportunities are available?

Our ‘competition-funded’ projects are eligible to apply to other funding schemes. Some of these may cover the difference between overseas and UK tuition fees, and others will support your tuition fees and/or provide an annual stipend. Horizon Europe fee waivers are automatically applied for all eligible postgraduate researchers starting their programme in the 2026/27 academic year. The waiver covers the difference between overseas and UK tuition fees, and you can combine this waiver with other funding sources. Visit our website for a list of eligible countries. You may qualify for one of our postgraduate scholarships or fee waivers that cover tuition fees and more. Search for your topic area and check the ‘Funding and fees’ page for more information about our schools’ funding arrangements. Many of those projects are funded through the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award.

How do I find a PhD supervisor?

Each project listing has an assigned supervisor; you’ll find their contact details in the listing. You are not limited to the listed projects – if you have a research idea of your own, you can search for a possible supervisor or make an enquiry.

What is a fully funded research project?

Projects advertised as ‘fully funded’ will cover your tuition fees and provide a tax-free annual stipend to support your living costs. UK Research and Innovation has set the minimum stipend at £20,780 (for full-time students).

These opportunities are highly competitive and often come with specific eligibility requirements, so it’s important to check the funding information for the project before applying.

What are the entry requirements for postgraduate researchers?

Our programmes typically require a minimum of an upper second-class (2:1) honours undergraduate degree (or equivalent), or a master’s-level qualification, in a relevant subject. Evidence of prior professional practice or learning may also be taken into account. Our funded programmes are highly competitive and normally require at least a first-class honours degree (or equivalent).

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University of Southampton

Southampton

South East

United Kingdom

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Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

This project is no longer listed on FindAPhD.com and may not be available.

AACE-AFM-04: Landing Gear Flow Control for Noise Reduction

About the Project