This PhD study will develop a methodology to increase understanding of high-value gas turbine testing while at the same time reducing test time and cost. Collaborating closely with Rolls-Royce plc the student will use their competencies in mathematical and computational skills to address this aim. A successful project will reduce testing costs, and development time and help reduce the environmental impacts of both development and in-service use. Working within a large research team in Loughborough’s Rolls Royce University Technology Centre (UTC), you will have a chance to learn from experienced researchers and have broad exposure to experimental facilities at Loughborough and Rolls Royce.
The Rolls Royce UTC is a leading research group in the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering, operating in a new £14m facility. In the department, 100% of the research impact was rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent,’ REF 2021. Find out more about the benefits of comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.
Project details
Gas Turbine and subsystem testing is rigorous and necessary for the delivery of successfully validated products. Improved fidelity simulations have reduced the quantity of physical testing needed significantly. In what remains necessary for physical testing, more efficient use of facilities can be made for two key purposes: reduced development cost and, opening routes to understand system dynamics to deliver more efficient engines.
Cornerstone to conventional experimental campaigns is ‘steady-state’ testing. Facilities with large thermal mass (for example) can take time to settle to a sufficiently steady state. Often large numbers of test points are required to characterise the performance in the full operating space and repeat settling time can become expensive. Utilising facilities with high running costs, a dynamic testing approach could reduce testing time by not waiting for a ‘steady state’ – if this can ever be truly achieved. Perhaps more importantly, correlating reduced order dynamic models of the system to experimental test results allows dynamic characterisation that is not possible in a steady-state approach thus increasing knowledge and understanding of the system of interest.
Find out more about our research with Rolls Royce.
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Adrian Spencer
Secondary supervisor: Gary Page
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Computing, Mathematics or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: modelling dynamic systems, machine learning, and experimental methods.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
How to apply
All applications should be made online and must include a research proposal. Under the programme name, select 'Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering'. Please quote the advertised reference number AAE-AS-2124 in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.
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