Supersonic Passenger Transport Aircraft/Engine Integration Systems Design to Investigate Noise and Emissions PhD

This 3-year PhD opportunity is funded by Cranfield University. The research is part of the EU Horizon 2020 framework project SENECA and partners include Rolls-Royce, DLR and ONERA.

Eligible students would receive full stipend. The project aims to investigate future supersonic business jet and airliner design with a strong emphasis on emissions and noise. The research is focused on the development of platform specifications for supersonic aircraft, which are suitable for assessing emissions and noise impact. The platforms specifications include geometrical/configurations data, performance characteristics, mission trajectories/profiles and propulsion system performance.

Research activities include:

• Close cooperation with DLR, Rolls-Royce and ONERA on the SENECA project.
• Gather top-level and aircraft-level requirements.
• Teamworking with other aircraft and engine designers by providing flightpath thrust requirements and engine performance modelling data for the aircraft and propulsion system design iterations.
• Providing aircraft and propulsion system data to teammates to analyse emissions and noise.
• Conduct multi-disciplinary design optimisation by developing and deploying Cranfield University’s EPIDOSYS, AirCADia, Turbomatch, ATLAS, and other modelling software tools like NPSS.

This PhD project will contribute to the EU Horizon 2020 SENECA project which aims at developing deepened understanding and detailed modelling for the emissions, the take-off and landing noise, and the global environmental impact of supersonic aircraft. Building on this, the development of beyond state-of-the-art technologies to further reduce the environmental impact of supersonic aviation will be enabled.

SENECA will contribute its project results to the ICAO level discussions, in order to scientifically accompany and strengthen the European perspective on the necessary regulations for novel supersonic aircraft. Key milestones of the project dissemination and exploitation plan are aligned to the CAEP work program and agenda, and the whole project plan is designed to work towards these milestones.

This PhD project will contribute to the overall SENECA aims by providing platform specifications for supersonic aircraft, which are suitable for assessing environmental (emissions and noise) impact. The objectives are: To develop the platform specifications and optimised engine design for 2 supersonic airliners.

Cranfield University are seeking top-class candidates to undertake research leading to the award of PhD.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit a candidate with a minimum of an upper second (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical or aerospace engineering. Ideally, candidates will have a Masters Degree in an aerospace-related subject.

Funding

To be eligible for full funding, applicants must be a UK or EU national. Other nationalities may be considered.

About the sponsor

Sponsored by Cranfield University, this studentship will receive full stipend (tax-free maintenance bursary plus fees) for three years.

£1,300pm Y1

£1,400pm Y2

£1,500pm Y3

Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

How to apply

For further information please contact:

Dr Christos Mourouzidis 

Email: [Email Address Removed]

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.