Aero-engine installation aerodynamics PhD

The project is sponsored by the EU CleanSky Project and the work will be in collaboration with Rolls-Royce and the UK Aircraft Research Association.

PhD studentship in the Propulsion Engineering Centre at Cranfield University, in the field of aero-engine installation performance and aerodynamics.

The overall aim of the project is to facilitate the multi-objective optimisation of short and slim engine nacelle design for the next generation of ultra-high bypass ratio (UHBR) aero engines. UHBR engine architectures offer increased propulsive efficiency through operation at reduced specific thrust, enabled by increased engine diameter. This poses special challenges, both in terms of the aerodynamic drag of the isolated nacelle and the potential for interference effects which may be imposed by a close-coupled installation on the aircraft wing. Overall the project encompasses nacelle optimisation and design as well as experimental validation based on the new designs.