Developing the Dielectric Barrier Discharge Surface Plasma Actuators to Improve the Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics Performances of Aerofoil

Brunel University London (BUL) is recruiting to EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) PhD studentships effective 1 October 2020. Applications are invited for the following specific project called “Developing the Dielectric Barrier Discharge Surface Plasma Actuators to Improve the Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics Performances of Aerofoil”. Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend (bursary) of £17,285 plus payment of their full-time home tuition fees for a period of 36 months (3 years). Applicants must be eligible for home tuition fees either through nationality, residency (living in the UK for at least three years and not wholly for educational purposes) or other connection to the UK.

The successful applicants will join the internationally recognised researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. This exciting research project is focused on the relatively new, though rapidly expanding, surface plasma actuators. The usage of surface plasma actuators for flow control is very attractive for industrial applications because this technique is highly energy-efficient, a simple structure and can be used for both steady and unsteady actuations. The proposed research aims to simultaneously optimise the aerodynamical and aeroacoustical performances of aerofoil blades applicable to the UAV and turbomachinery industries. The main research facility is the high-quality anechoic wind tunnel at the Brunel main campus.

Applicants will be required to demonstrate their ability to perform wind tunnel testing, data analysis, physical interpretation of the acquired data and disseminate the research outcomes through thesis and academic paper publications.

Please contact Dr Tze Pei Chong at [Email Address Removed] for an informal discussion about the studentships.

Eligibility
Applicants will have or be expected to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree in an Engineering, Computer Science, Design, Mathematics, Physics or a similar discipline. A Postgraduate Masters degree is not required but may be an advantage.

Experience in aerodynamics and/or aeroacoustics related topics, computer-aided design and good knowledge of data processing technique is an advantage. In addition, applicants should be highly motivated, able to work in a team as well as independently, collaborate with others and have good communication skills.

How to Apply
Please submit your application documents (see list below) by Noon on Friday 26 June 2020 to [Email Address Removed] Interviews will take place in July 2020.
• Your up-to-date CV;
• Your personal statement (300 to 500 words) summarising your background, skills and experience;
• Your Undergraduate/Postgraduate Masters degree certificate(s) and transcript(s);
• Evidence of your English language skills to IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent, 6.0 in all sections), if appropriate;
• Contact details for TWO referees, one of which can be an academic member of staff in the College.
Remember to state the title of the project at the top of your personal statement.